By WKTV Staff
With many employers having laid off workers due to COVID-19 restrictions, many Michigan workers are now without employer-provided healthcare coverage. But the state’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services reminds people that government-supported plans are available.
Michiganders who have lost their job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA; also called “Obamacare”) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to State of Michigan guidance issued Tuesday, April 7.
And, the state points out, consumers in these situations are not required to wait for the yearly Open Enrollment Period and but should act quickly as there is a 2-month window for special enrollment.
“Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” Anita G. Fox, director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), said in supplied material. “If consumers have questions about enrolling, DIFS is available to assist.”
Consumers have 60 days after losing essential health coverage, such as through a job loss, or experienced a change in income to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period. To determine eligibility, consumers should visit healthcare.gov.
Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers can contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442, or or email at DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov, for assistance.
To read the entire State of Michigan press release on the issue, visit here.
For more information on coronavirus marketplace coverage visit here.
