SCC Encourages Virginians to Shop for Health Insurance

Virginia consumers now have an opportunity to shop for affordable health care coverage or make changes to an existing plan for the 2023 plan year through HealthCare.gov. The 2023 Open Enrollment period will take place from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023. Open Enrollment is the only time during the year consumers can enroll in coverage, without a qualifying life event that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

For 2023, enhanced premium credits have been continued and more Virginians will now be eligible for financial assistance. The federal government recently finalized a new rule which makes financial assistance available to family members of certain workers whose employer provided insurance may not be affordable for spouses and dependents.

In accordance with federal law, Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) must provide coverage for 10 essential health benefits which include: Ambulatory care ; Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; Emergency services ; Laboratory services; Hospitalization; Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; Maternity and newborn care; Pediatric services, including oral and vision care; Mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder services; and Prescription drugs.

Qualified Health Plans also prohibit denials for pre-existing conditions, require zero co-pays on preventative care, and have no lifetime maximums on covered benefits.

Through HealthCare.gov, Virginia residents can access financial assistance to lower costs for health insurance for plan year 2023.

For coverage that begins January 1, 2023, there are now at least two health carriers participating in the marketplace in every county and region across the Commonwealth.

To begin an application or to make changes to existing coverage, consumers can visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, TTY: 1-855-889-4325.

For free in-person or on-line help, or help over the phone, Virginia residents have several options. Local navigators and assisters can be found at the Enroll Virginia website: ENROLL Virginia! (enrollva.org) or by calling 1-888-392-5132. Certified agents and brokers in their community can be found by visiting Get help applying and more | HealthCare.gov

To learn more about the Virginia Exchange or to obtain additional contact information, visit the Exchange website at Virginia SCC — HBE Consumer Contact.