The state of Michigan Open Enrollment for 2025 opens on November 1, 2024 and runs until January 15, 2025. If you want your coverage to start on January 1, 2025, then you need to enroll in a plan by December 15, 2024.

As an annual period for enrolling in, adjusting, and canceling health insurance plans, Open Enrollment in Michigan will function similarly to how it did in previous years. If you went through the process of Michigan Open Enrollment 2024, you do not need to re-enroll in your health plan, but if you want to switch plans or add a family member to your policy, this may be a good time to do so.

During the Open Enrollment Period, you can enroll in a new health insurance plan on the marketplace or switch from your current plan to a different one. You have the opportunity to compare different health insurance plans, finding the best one for yourself and your family. If you are looking for individual and family health plans, you need to be prepared for the Open Enrollment Period. In 2024, more than 418,100 people in Michigan enrolled in health care plans during Open Enrollment.

Even though it can be daunting to choose the right health insurance plan, eHealth is here to help you. Let us act as your guide during the state of Michigan Open Enrollment and make sure you protect your family with the right health insurance plan.

Frequently asked questions: Michigan open enrollment dates

When is open enrollment for 2025 health coverage in Michigan?

In Michigan, Open Enrollment for 2025 starts on November 15, 2024. It will run through January 15, 2025. If you want your health insurance plan to begin on January 1, 2025, then you need to enroll by December 15, 2024. You should be prepared when the Open Enrollment window begins.

When will my ACA health insurance plan begin?

In most cases, a health insurance plan that you purchase on the ACA marketplace will start on January 1, 2025. If you purchase your health insurance plan after December 15, 2024, then there is a chance that your plan may not start until February 1, 2025. If you already have a health insurance plan, you will continue to have coverage under that plan until the end of 2024. Then, your new health insurance plan should start on January 1, 2025. If you have questions about when your health insurance plan will start, let us help you navigate the marketplace and find the right health insurance plan as quickly as possible.

What if I miss Open Enrollment in Michigan?

If you miss the Open Enrollment window in Michigan, you may not be able to purchase health insurance on the marketplace until the fall of 2025 Unless you qualify for a special hardship exemption, you could end up going without health insurance for a while. After the Open Enrollment window, your health insurance options will be limited, so it is better to find the right health insurance plan during the Open Enrollment window.

The average cost of health insurance in Michigan

For 2024 coverage, the average benchmark monthly premium for an individual in the U.S. was approximately $477 per month.

During Michigan’s Open Enrollment for 2024 coverage, the average monthly premium was $381 per month for individuals.

Therefore, there are opportunities for you to save money on the cost of your health insurance plan. Looking at data from healthcare.gov, the cheapest insurance may start as low as $171 per person for a major medical insurance plan in Michigan.

As you go through the process of Open Enrollment in Michigan, you should consider the American Rescue Plan Act as well. Usually shortened to ARPA, this plan that started in 2021 provides subsidies for people making up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Depending on your specific situation, you may qualify for steeply discounted or completely covered health insurance plans on the marketplace. This law is good for two years, so there is still time to learn more about how this financial aid package could help you save money on health insurance.

Understanding your health insurance options in Michigan

Navigating health insurance options in Michigan can be a complex process, given the variety of plans and providers available in the state. Whether you are looking into employer-sponsored plans, individual marketplace options, or government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, it’s crucial to understand the coverage, benefits, and costs associated with each. This section aims to demystify the process by providing a comprehensive overview of the health insurance landscape in Michigan, helping you make informed decisions about the best coverage for your health needs and financial situation.

Types of plans available during Michigan open enrollment

During Michigan’s open enrollment period, residents have access to a variety of health insurance plans that cater to different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the types of plans available:

• Metal Categories: Plans are divided into four metal categories—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These categories are based on how you and your plan share costs. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, ideal for those who expect few medical expenses. Silver plans require moderate premiums with moderate out-of-pocket costs. Gold plans have high premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, suitable for those who expect higher medical expenses. Platinum plans offer the most comprehensive coverage with the highest premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs, best for those with significant healthcare needs.
• Catastrophic Plans: These plans are designed for people under 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. Catastrophic plans have very low monthly premiums and very high deductibles, providing protection against worst-case scenarios like serious illness or major accidents. They cover three primary care visits per year at no cost and offer free preventive services. To be eligible, you must be under 30 years old or have a hardship exemption that prevents you from affording a standard plan.
• Coverage and Benefits: Regardless of the category, all plans cover essential health benefits such as outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, preventive care, and pediatric services, including oral and vision care. However, the extent of coverage and the specific benefits can vary significantly from one plan to another, so it’s important to review each plan’s details carefully.

Understanding these options will help you choose a plan that best fits your health needs and financial situation during Michigan’s open enrollment period.

Companies in the Michigan health insurance marketplace

Companies available for 2024 Michigan Open Enrollment include:

• Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company
• Blue Care Network of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Insurance Company
• Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
• McLaren Health Plan Community
• Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc.
• Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc.
• Oscar Insurance Company
• Physicians Health Plan
• Priority Health
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc.
• US Health and Life Insurance Company

Keep in mind that your choices aren’t necessarily limited to the Michigan marketplace and ACA-compliant plans. However, you might want to learn more about packaged medical insurance. These are health insurance plans that provide other types of insurance protection as well, such as dental or vision insurance that are not under the constraints of an Open Enrollment Period.

There are plenty of choices available, and you may have a difficult time deciding which plans are right for you and your family. This is not a decision that you need to make on your own. At eHealth, we are here to help you navigate the process, and we would love to help you find the right protection for yourself and your family. Allow us to go through the different health insurance options with you, and make the right choice for your medical needs.

How to find affordable health insurance during Michigan open enrollment

As you make your decision about which of the different health insurance plans in the Michigan marketplace for 2025 Open Enrollment are best for you and your family, there are several things you could consider:

• Assess your personal needs: Do you need Rx coverage? Do you have a doctor you like? Also consider the health care services that you – and your family if applicable – have received in the past. Think about if you plan on scheduling any major medical services – such as surgery or other costly procedures – in the upcoming coverage year.
• Research available options in your Michigan: Start at eHealth to compare Obamacare plans, short-term plans and other alternatives.
• Understand which options you can qualify for: You can enroll in any Obamacare plan during Open Enrollment. For short-term health insurance and other medical insurance alternatives, you can apply any time, but you typically need to answer medical questions and may be declined. Keep in mind that if you experience a qualifying life event during the year, you may be able to apply for major medical health insurance during a special enrollment period. You can find out more about enrolling outside of Open Enrollment on eHealth’s resource center.
• See if you qualify for discounts: ACA plans may be available to you with a tax credit, which can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on monthly premiums. Keep in mind that you will need to meet an income requirement.
• Make sure your prescriptions are covered: eHealth provides a prescription drug coverage comparison tool that helps you find the plan that covers your drugs with the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
• Make sure your doctor is covered: eHealth has a physician finder tool that lets you compare plans using your preferred doctor.
• Enroll online: eHealth makes it easy to complete your health insurance application online, even if you qualify for a tax credit.

Subsidies and financial assistance for Michigan residents 

For many residents in Michigan, understanding and accessing health insurance subsidies and financial assistance can make healthcare much more affordable. Here’s a detailed look at how you can determine your eligibility and apply:

1. Eligibility for Subsidies
   • Eligibility for subsidies is based on several factors including your income, which needs to be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Other factors include your family size, the cost of living in your area, and your access to other forms of qualifying health coverage, such as through an employer or government program.
2. Types of Financial Assistance
   • Premium Tax Credits: These credits help lower your monthly premiums for plans purchased through the health insurance marketplace. The amount you can receive depends on how your income compares to the federal poverty level and the cost of benchmark plans in your area.
   • Cost-Sharing Reductions: If your income falls between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level and you select a Silver plan, you may qualify for reductions that lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
3. How to Apply for Subsidies
   • Visit the Marketplace: Start by accessing the Michigan health insurance marketplace online.
   • Create an Account: Set up your marketplace account by providing some basic information like your name, email, and a secure password.
   • Complete the Application: Fill out the application form, which will ask for detailed information about your income, household size, and any health insurance available to you through your employer.
   • Estimate Your Income: Carefully estimate your annual income. Include all expected income for the year from all sources, such as employment, self-employment, or government benefits.
   • Review Plan Options: Once your application is processed, you’ll see the different health insurance plans available to you, along with the amount of financial assistance you qualify for.
   • Select a Plan: Choose a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget, taking into consideration the amount of subsidy you qualify for.
   • Enroll and Confirm Coverage: Complete the enrollment for your chosen plan and set up your premium payments to start your coverage.

By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of health insurance subsidies and select a plan that makes healthcare accessible and affordable for you and your family. Remember, accurate income estimation is crucial to avoid owing money when filing your tax return or missing out on available subsidies.

Find a health care plan that suits you with eHealth

For your health and well-being, other than exercise and diet, it is essential to have the protection of a health insurance in case of an emergency. At eHealth, we are here to help you during the Michigan Open Enrollment Period for 2025 coverage. Not only do we have online tools that make comparing different health insurances and metal levels a breeze, but our licensed insurance professionals are also available to guide you through this process. Contact us today to get the process started.