$1M earmarked to help pay for health insurance
Funds would aid those who lost coverage during pandemic
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced recently the state is investing more than $1 million to help Michiganders who may have lost health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic get the coverage they need.
“Access to medical care is more important than ever, yet job and income losses during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many Michiganders to lose their health insurance,” Whitmer said. “Signing up for insurance can be a confusing process, but this funding will ensure people have access to local help and the resources they need to understand their options and get themselves and their families covered.”
There are a number ways for people to get no- or low-cost health insurance, and the $1 million investment through the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will help raise awareness and increase access to those programs.
“In Macomb County, it will most likely be given to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) who handle the enrollment for the Healthy Michigan Plan,” said Ernests Cawvey, director of Macomb Community
Action, who was glad to hear the DHHS was getting the support it needs.
“It’s absolutely necessary,” Cawvey said. During COVID-19, a lot of people lost their health insurance, and it’s taken its toll on many of the agencies that help people find other means of coverage.
“In Macomb County, the average DHHS case worker has more than 1,000 clients,” Cawvey said, adding that his department, which partners with DHHS can also help people review their eligibility in order to start the health insurance enrollment process. “At this time, it’s crucial that the state of Michigan provide additional support and capacity for DHHS officers.”
The funding made available to com
munity-based organizations will help to support virtual health insurance educational programs, and an advertising campaign that will target communities impacted by COVID-19-related job losses.
A report from the National Center for Coverage Innovation found that Michigan experienced a 46% increase in the number of uninsured adults from February to May 2020.
For those looking to find help, there are a number of ways to get covered, depending on an individual’s income and situation.
Consumers may qualify for no- or low- cost coverage through cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage programs for children, the Healthy Michigan Plan, or Medicaid.
MiBridges and the Marketplace will direct consumers to the programs they are eligible for, so there is no wrong door to begin the process to get covered. To get started:
Open enrollment for the Marketplace runs Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020, with coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Assistance is available to help people at no-cost by visiting localhelp.healthcare. gov. Macomb Community Action can also offer support at mca.macombgov. org/Mca-Home
Special enrollment periods may also be available to people who experienced a qualifying life event in 2020, including job loss or reduction in income, but who have not yet enrolled in a new plan.
Also, American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in a Marketplace plan at any time and can change plans once a month. For more information about special enrollment periods, visit healthcare.gov/ screener.
Depending on income and other factors, coverage is also available through Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Those eligible can apply for coverage at any time through Michigan. gov/MIBridges or by calling
the Michigan 211 COVID-19 Resource Navigation line at 844-587-2485.
Seniors who have lost employer-provided health insurance during the pandemic may also be able to sign up for Medicare during a special enrollment period.
For more information about signing up for Medicare or eligibility for a special enrollment period seniors may visit Medicare. gov or call the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program at 1-800803-7174.
“Increasing the number of insured Michiganders means improved access to care, financial security, quality of care, and health outcomes, which is why we are encouraging everyone
who needs coverage to contact local help or log on to Healthcare.gov starting Nov. 1,” said Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “There’s no wrong door to get coverage, so if you qualify for coverage through Medicaid or another program, the systems will direct you to sign up for those programs as well.”
“It’s important for consumers to know nearly 80% of Michiganders who enrolled in a Marketplace plan last year received subsidies resulting in no or reduced cost coverage,” said Anita Fox, department of insurance and financial services director. “The only mistake you can make is to wait and
potentially miss the deadline for enrollment. It’s important to find out about your options early and to get yourself and your family covered.”
For more information visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare. gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Consumers can also contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov if they need assistance.
For assistance with Healthy Michigan Plan and Medicaid, visit Michigan. gov/MIBridges or by calling the Michigan 211 COVID-19 Resource Navigation line at 844-587-2485.