Health Insurance Marketplace US – NEW CASTLE – The number of people purchasing insurance through Delaware’s health insurance marketplace for 2023 reached an all-time high, up 8% over the number of people who enrolled during the 2022 open enrollment period, thanks to improved federal subsidies, more options for plans than ever before, and the state’s reinsurance programme, which keeps the cost of monthly premiums largely stable.
A total of 34,742 Delaware residents signed up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov during the state’s 10th open enrollment period, which ran from November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. A total of 32,113 people signed up during the open enrollment period the year before. Coverage started on January 1, 2023 for individuals who signed up by December 15, 2022, and paid their first premium. The start of coverage will be on February 1, 2023, for those who signed up by January 15, 2023 and paid their first subscription.
Governor John Carney stated that “all Delaware families need access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.” “With more plans available this year, we were able to commemorate the 10th anniversary of open enrollment on Delaware’s health insurance marketplace while also making coverage even more affordable. We can tell Delawareans value their health because of the state’s record-breaking enrollment rates. We are grateful to all the community navigators and health activists who made this achievement possible. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
According to Molly Magarik, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, “marketplace plans play a critical role in promoting access to high-quality and affordable health care.” “We are grateful to the community navigators and application counsellors who worked tirelessly during open enrollment to help individuals and families find the plan that was right for them. I am thrilled to see a record number of Delawareans taking advantage of the many affordable options offered through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace.”
The number of plans available to Delaware residents this year was 30, the most in the marketplace’s ten years, from a total of three insurers, up from only one previous year. Two new insurers, AmeriHealth Caritas (four plans) and Aetna CVS Health (nine plans), would join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (17 plan options) on the marketplace for 2023, according to an announcement made by insurance commissioner Trinidad Navarro in June 2022.
Pre-existing condition coverage, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalisation, prescription drugs, services for mental health and substance use disorders, lab services, paediatric services, coverage for birth control and breastfeeding, and COVID-19 vaccinations, including the updated bivalent booster, are all basic health benefits that are included in all insurance plans. Additionally, a change in health status, such as the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19, cannot result in the termination of coverage. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
According to the final enrollment figures, it is obvious that Delaware customers value having a range of plans to choose from at reasonable pricing, according to Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Delaware consumers need access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, and market stability and increasing competition are essential in fostering the availability of consumer-friendly health insurance options in Delaware.”
The general stability of Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace is a reflection of the state’s reinsurance program’s ongoing federal approval. By partially compensating insurers for high-cost medical claims through a fund that uses a combination of federal funding and assessments gathered by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers, the programme has reduced health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market. The insurers can lower the cost of premiums or restrict increases because their claims expenses are lower. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
Through the American Rescue Plan Act, which enhanced tax credits and expanded subsidies into the middle class, the Biden administration made increasing access to health care and affordability a priority in 2021. These improved benefits were extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed this year. For example, a family of four with two parents in their 40s and a combined income of $50,000 is now qualified for a credit of about $16,000, up from $14,300 previously.
The Inexpensive Care Act’s markets were essential to achieving its single purpose, according to U.S. Senator Tom Carper, which was to make affordable, high-quality healthcare available to all Americans. “At this point, membership numbers are increasing year over year, and more residents of Delaware are gaining access to free preventative screenings and other healthcare treatments that they previously could not afford. I appreciate the diligent navigators’ efforts to sign up uninsured residents of Delaware in family-friendly health insurance plans, and I look forward to continue our efforts to lower health care costs for all Americans. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
According to U.S. Senator Chris Coons, “during the past ten years, the Affordable Care Act has made access to affordable, high-quality healthcare a reality for millions of Americans.” “I’m thrilled to see a record number of Delawareans benefiting from this landmark legislation this year,” said Biden. “I’m proud to have worked with President Biden and my colleagues to strengthen the ACA in the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, further driving down costs for families.”
The health and wellbeing of communities throughout the First State depend on Delawareans having access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare, according to U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I am glad to learn that a record number of Delaware residents signed up for health insurance through Delaware’s marketplace this year. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
Without the perseverance of DHSS, Insurance Commissioner Navarro, and community navigators like Westside Family Healthcare and Quality Insights, who were on the ground assisting Delawareans and giving them the tools they required to find the plans that best suited them and their families, this would not have been possible. I’m happy to contribute to Delaware’s health and will continue to fight in the 118th Congress for more Delawareans to have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.
Free in-person assistance from federally paid and qualified specialists is available to Delaware residents who need assistance enrolling in insurance at Westside Family Healthcare (statewide) and Quality Healthcare.
By qualified application counsellors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown, as well as by Insights, Inc. (New Castle and Sussex counties). The federal government raised money for navigators who assist people in enrolling in insurance for Westside and Quality Insights, respectively. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
According to Lolita Lopez, President & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare, “As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Westside understands how health insurance coverage removes obstacles to routine treatment and can save lives.” “Westside has been offering help with enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace since 2013, and we are happy with the record-breaking enrollment figures this year. We applaud the efforts of our state partners in making the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace’s coverage more affordable than ever.
Shanen Wright, programme director for Quality Insights’ Navigator programme, said: “We are really delighted to see a continued growth in people taking advantage of the affordable coverage offered through the Marketplace.” In addition, even though the 2023 open enrollment period is finished, we remain available all year to assist Delaware residents in learning more about their coverage options for 2024 or in enrolling this year if they become newly eligible due to a qualifying event. [Health Insurance Marketplace US]
If a life event occurs that qualifies them for a special enrollment period after open enrollment on the health insurance marketplace ends, Delawareans can still enrol for coverage. The birth or adoption of a child, a move that is permanent, the loss of other coverage provided by a work, marriage, or divorce are just a few of the numerous life events that qualify. To find out if you are eligible, go to HealthCare.gov/screener.
