SCC News

RICHMOND – Seniors lose billions of dollars annually due to financial exploitation. The loss to individual victims averages tens of thousands of dollars. Many times, the financial exploitation goes unreported.

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), the State Corporation Commission (SCC) reminds seniors, caregivers, financial professionals and all Virginians to recognize the signs of elder financial abuse and know how to report it.

Financial abuse can take many forms, including efforts to sell seniors fraudulent investments in person, online or by phone, or attempts to access their investment accounts for personal gain. It can be perpetrated by friends, family, caregivers, financial professionals or strangers. Seniors who have disabilities, rely on others for help or are socially isolated are especially vulnerable.

“Senior financial exploitation can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone,” said Doug Joyce, director of the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Securities and Retail Franchising (Division). “Increasingly, seniors are being targeted by scammers. Perpetrators often strike when seniors are most vulnerable such as during a health crisis or after the death of a loved one. Social isolation and seniors’ increased reliance on the internet for many daily activities only compound the problem.”

In some cases, scammers may target their victims using personal details gleaned from obituaries and social media posts. Some may exploit established relationships within a senior’s social and support groups to become more involved in their life.

Possible red flags of senior financial abuse include the following:

• Surrendering passwords and control of finances to a new or overly protective friend or caregiver;
• Suspicious signatures on checks or other documents;
• Unusual activity in investment or bank accounts, including large, frequent or unexplained withdrawals or transfers between accounts;
• Unusual or sudden changes to beneficiary designations or to legal or financial documents involving investments, such as power of attorney, wills, trusts, retirement accounts or insurance policies, or documents that suddenly go missing;
• Unexplained financial activities, such as the disappearance or “gifting” of assets, valuables or securities;
• Fear of or sudden change in feelings toward friends or family members; and
• A lack of knowledge by a senior about their financial status or reluctance to discuss financial matters.

Joyce encourages Virginians who suspect they or a loved one are the victims of investment fraud or possible senior financial exploitation to contact the Division by telephone (in Richmond at 804-371-9051 or toll-free at 1-800-552-7945), or by email at SRF_General@scc.virginia.gov. Additional information is available on the Division’s Invest Wisely web page at InvestWiselyVA.com.

The North American Securities Administrators Association, of which the Division is a member, also has developed resources to help individuals identify investment fraud and know how to report suspected elder financial abuse. These resources are available at nasaa.org/investor-education/senior-investor-resource-center/.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Hurricane season is just around the corner, and the State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) reminds Virginians that the time to plan is now. This includes reviewing your insurance policies to make sure you have the coverage you need if a hurricane or other disaster strikes.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write hurricane-related coverage for your home, vehicle or business until after the storm threat passes

“Protect yourself physically and financially against hurricanes and other disasters. It’s never too early to start,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Hurricanes can wreak havoc on your home and other property. Review your insurance policies now and know what is and is not covered. If you have questions, contact your insurance agency or company or the Bureau of Insurance.”

Even areas hundreds of miles from the coast can experience floods and other damage caused by hurricanes’ high winds and torrential rains. Most hurricane damage is caused by flooding, not high winds. Even minor floods can cause extensive damage to your home, vehicle, business or belongings.

The Bureau offers the following reminders: 

• Homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies issued in Virginia typically do not cover damage caused by floods, surface water or storm surge. The federal government sells insurance for direct flood and flood-related damage to homeowners, renters and businesses in eligible communities through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Keep in mind that there is typically a 30-day waiting period for a new flood insurance policy to take effect. To learn more about this program, contact your insurance agent or the NFIP at 877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov. Some private insurers also offer their own flood policies, so check with your insurance agent about the availability of a private flood insurance policy. In either case, ask whether your flood policy provides coverage for your personal property.  
• Some homeowners policies require a special deductible for wind or hurricane losses. These deductibles may be applied separately from any other deductible on the homeowners policy. Deductibles may be written as a flat amount, such as $1,000, or as a percentage of the insurance coverage limit on the dwelling, such as 2% of a $200,000 coverage limit ($4,000). Remember that the deductible is the amount that you must pay before the insurance company pays its portion of a claim. 
• Prepare a complete inventory of your personal property including photographs, videos and serial numbers. Having a home inventory can facilitate the claims process if damage occurs. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free smartphone app that can facilitate this process. The app is available at naic.org/consumer/home-inventory. Keep your insurance policies and home inventory together in a secure, waterproof and fireproof place. 
• Know what to do if your property is damaged by a hurricane. Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. As soon as it is safe to do so, make any necessary emergency repairs and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. Additionally, make a list of all damage to your property and include photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.
• If you must evacuate, know the name of your insurance company and take your homeowners, auto and other insurance policies and your home inventory with you, or make sure you can access these important documents electronically. The policies will contain your policy numbers and the phone numbers of your insurance companies in case you have questions or need to file a claim. 

The Bureau of Insurance offers free consumer guides for homeowners and commercial property owners with information about what to do when a disaster strikes. These and many other consumer insurance guides are available at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance. The Bureau’s specially trained staff stand ready to assist consumers with their insurance-related questions and concerns. To learn more, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185. 

For additional emergency preparedness information regarding hurricanes and other types of disasters and hazards, visit vaemergency.gov. 

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The arrival of spring can usher in tornadoes, strong winds, hailstorms, flash floods, lightning and other extreme weather. Severe weather can strike anywhere and anytime. Advance planning is the key to protecting yourself, your loved ones and your property, both physically and financially.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginians to plan now for potentially extreme spring weather. “Assess your risk and make sure you have the insurance coverage you need if severe weather causes damage to your home, business, vehicles or other property,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “If you have questions, contact your insurance agent or company or the Bureau of Insurance.”

The Bureau encourages Virginians to consider the following:

• Review your insurance policy and update it, if needed. Understand what it does and does not cover, as well as any deductibles you may have to pay when filing a claim.
• Create a detailed inventory of your belongings including photos, serial numbers, videos and receipts.
• Keep electronic copies of your homeowners, auto and other insurance policies with your home inventory and, if possible, store paper files in a safe, fireproof and waterproof place. Take these documents with you if you must evacuate. These records will contain your policy numbers and the phone numbers of your insurance companies in case you have questions or need to file a claim.

Keep in mind that homeowners and renters insurance policies issued in Virginia typically do not cover damage resulting from floods, surface water or storm surges. The federal government, however, does sell insurance for direct flood and flood-related damage to homeowners, renters and businesses in eligible communities through its National Flood   Insurance Program (NFIP). There is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. To learn more, contact your insurance agent; call the NFIP at 877-336-2627; or visit fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program. 

Automobile other-than-collision insurance coverage, often called "comprehensive" insurance coverage, helps pay to repair or replace vehicles if they are stolen or damaged by such things as fire, water, wind, hail, vandalism, glass breakage, falling objects or contact with an animal.

Know what to do if your home, business, vehicles or other property are damaged as a result of a severe weather event. The Bureau recommends the following:

• Once the danger or risk has passed, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property once it is safe to do so.
• Record all damage to your property with photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.

The Bureau offers free consumer guides for homeowners and commercial property owners with information about what to do when a disaster strikes. These and many other consumer insurance guides are available on the Bureau’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

The Bureau’s specially trained staff can assist consumers with their insurance-related questions and concerns. To learn more, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185.

For additional emergency preparedness information relating to various types of disasters and hazards, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website at vaemergency.gov. 

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Choices abound for consumers in today’s marketplace. Knowing how to effectively navigate those choices is essential.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is pleased to join the Federal Trade Commission and other organizations throughout the country in recognizing National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9, 2024). This annual awareness campaign encourages Americans to understand their consumer rights and make informed decisions to help avoid unsuitable and fraudulent products and services.

The SCC encourages Virginians to protect themselves financially and know where to turn for help – whether they are investing, planning for retirement, looking for ways to save money on their energy bill or shopping for insurance or a loan. It reminds Virginians that it stands ready throughout the year to answer inquiries and provide information and assistance regarding industry sectors over which it has regulatory responsibility. Those sectors include insurance companies and agents, state-chartered financial institutions, investment firms and their representatives, retail franchises and investor-owned utilities providing electric, natural gas, water, sewer and telecommunications services.

The SCC offers a wealth of consumer information on these and other topics, much of which is available on our website at scc.virginia.gov. Our specially trained staff can assist Virginians in making informed choices and assisting with questions if they are not satisfied with the responses they receive from businesses that the SCC regulates.

The SCC urges Virginians to thoroughly evaluate any offer; shop around and compare prices and terms; keep written records of all transactions; find products and services that suit your needs; and verify if an individual or company is licensed or registered with the SCC.  If a problem arises, try to resolve it with the regulated individual or company first. If you are still not satisfied, you can contact the appropriate SCC division by phone, mail or email using the online complaint form.

To access complaint forms and a description of the complaint process, visit the SCC website at scc.virginia.gov and select the appropriate division. To contact the SCC by phone, call toll-free at 1-800-552-7945 or, in Richmond, call:

• Bureau of Insurance – (804) 371-9741
• Bureau of Financial Institutions – (804) 371-9657
• Division of Securities and Retail Franchising – (804) 371-9051
• Division of Public Utility Regulation – (804) 371-9611
• Office of the Clerk – (804) 371-9733
• Division of Information Resources – (804) 371-9141

In the event the SCC does not have regulatory authority over a particular firm, individual, product or transaction, its staff will direct consumers to any appropriate local, state or federal authority for assistance. These may include local law enforcement; the Office of the Attorney General; or the Federal Trade Commission, which consumers also may contact directly through its toll-free helpline at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

To learn more about National Consumer Protection Week, visit consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – More than 400,000 Virginians signed up for health care coverage during the first open enrollment period for Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, which took place from November 1, 2023, to January 16, 2024.

The number of health insurance enrollments in Virginia increased by nearly 14 percent from the previous year and marked a major milestone for Virginia’s new state-based exchange and its mission to offer health care plans that meet the needs of its residents.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace was created by Virginia, for Virginians. The Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission, operates Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.

“From the beginning, our goal was to create a marketplace that was easy to use and connected Virginians and their families to health care coverage they can depend on,” said Keven Patchett, director of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange. “We look forward to increasing our impact in the future — both by reaching more Virginians and by connecting enrolled Virginians to other programs they may be eligible for.”

“We would like to thank Virginia certified insurance agents, navigators, and assisters for their tremendous work in helping to enroll Virginians across the Commonwealth. We would also like to thank Virginia carriers for their partnership in ensuring a smooth transition as well as our state agency partners, including the Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services, for their efforts to coordinate our operational processes effectively to promote continuity of coverage,” said Patchett.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace — which replaced HealthCare.gov for all Virginians — launched on November 1, 2023, and provides a variety of resources for residents to search for affordable health care coverage.

Marketplace plans provide quality, comprehensive coverage. All health insurance plans on the Marketplace include free preventative services and guarantee coverage for preexisting conditions. Additionally, every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription services, and more. In Virginia, consumers have a wide array of options to find a plan that best fits their needs.

Although the Open Enrollment Period has ended, Virginians who experience a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) during the year may be eligible to enroll from January 17 to October 31 during a Special Enrollment Period. The next Open Enrollment Period for coverage starting in 2025 will take place from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025.

For additional help — either online or in person — Virginians can access the following resources:

• The Marketplace Help Center can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.
• The FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about the Marketplace.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – With severe winter weather here, now is the time to protect your home, business, vehicles and other property from the elements.

Every year, winter weather causes billions of dollars in losses on homes, businesses, vehicles and other property.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginians to give their insurance coverage a thorough review and get their homes and vehicles ready for harsh winter conditions. Knowing and understanding the limits of your insurance coverage, as well as any deductibles you may have to pay in the event of a claim, is essential.

Winter weather events are often responsible for tree limbs breaking and falling on homes, vehicles and power lines. Flooding of property and interior damage to structures can occur as snow and ice melt after a winter storm ends. Sub-freezing temperatures can lead to broken pipes inside and outside your home.

“Plan ahead for seasonal and other hazards,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Homeowners, renters and commercial-property policies can protect you against many types of winter weather threats, but there are exceptions. Contact your insurance agent or company or the SCC’s Bureau of Insurance to learn more.”

To help reduce the risk of damage to your home and property this winter, the Bureau suggests the following:

• Remove dead, dying, diseased or broken tree limbs near your home and property.
• Remove debris from your gutters to help prevent ice dams and allow melting water to drain freely away from your home.
• Inspect your attic insulation and ventilation to ensure warm air stays in the living areas of your home and out of the attic. Keeping attic air cold can help minimize the freeze/thaw cycle that causes ice dams, which may cause interior water damage to your home. Proper insulation of your home has the added advantage of helping save energy and may reduce your heating costs.
• Protect your pipes from freezing. Detach garden hoses from your home before temperatures drop below freezing and properly winterize pipes and irrigation systems around your home. To protect interior pipes, leave your faucet running slightly to allow water to trickle through the pipes, reducing the chance that standing water will freeze. Opening the cabinet doors under your sink allows warm air to circulate around your pipes and to help keep them from freezing.
• Make sure fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters work properly. Additionally, keep combustible items away from heat sources.

Damages to property due to wind, snow, cold and freezing rain are often covered under standard homeowners, renters and commercial-property insurance policies. Property damage caused by flooding typically is not covered, but separate flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov and may be available through your insurance carrier.

It’s important to contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible in the event your home or property suffers damage from severe winter weather. When safe to do so, make any necessary emergency repairs and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Record all damage to your property and include photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.

Your homeowners policy may also cover certain incidents where someone slips and falls on slick sidewalks or other surfaces on your property. Review your policy or contact your agent or company to check for this coverage under the liability and medical payments portion of the policy.

In the event of an auto accident between two or more vehicles due to snowy and slippery road conditions, or if your vehicle crashes into an object affixed along a roadway (such as a streetlight) due to those conditions, standard auto insurance policies generally provide collision coverage. Checking to see whether your auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by ice, snow and falling tree limbs is also helpful. Damages of this nature usually fall under other-than-collision (or comprehensive) coverage on your vehicle, which protects against damage to a vehicle from such things as fire, water, hail, vandalism, glass breakage, wind and falling objects.

The Bureau offers consumer guides regarding homeowners, renters, commercial and auto insurance and disaster-related property insurance claims. For copies of these and other publications, or for answers to your insurance questions, contact the Bureau’s Property and Casualty Consumer Services Section at 804-371-9185 in Richmond or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560. Copies of the consumer insurance guides are also available on the Bureau’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission’s Health Benefit Exchange reminds Virginians that January 16, 2024, is the deadline to apply for, re-enroll in, or change health insurance for 2024 on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. Virginians who enroll by 11:59 p.m. on January 16 will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024. Following the end of Open Enrollment on January 16, Virginians who experience a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) during the year may be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period that takes place from January 17 to October 31.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace – which replaced HealthCare.gov for all Virginians – launched on November 1, 2023, and provides a variety of resources for residents to find affordable health care coverage. Since its launch at the beginning of this Open Enrollment Period, hundreds of thousands of Virginians have accessed the Marketplace to find coverage that meets their needs.

“We are extremely pleased with the number of Virginians who have used this new resource to find health plans that meet their unique needs,” said Keven Patchett, director of the Health Benefit Exchange. “We encourage anyone who hasn’t signed up for health insurance to do so before open enrollment ends to ensure that they don’t experience a lapse in coverage.”

Individual and family plans are available to eligible Virginians, including those who are unemployed, are self-employed, or have jobs that may not provide affordable insurance options. Virginians who no longer qualify for Medicaid because of changes in their income also may qualify for savings on the Marketplace.

All health insurance plans on the Marketplace include free preventive services and guarantee coverage for preexisting conditions. Additionally, every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription services and more. In Virginia, consumers have an array of options to find a plan that best fits their needs.

Virginians can apply on the Marketplace for financial assistance to help lower their monthly insurance costs. Nearly nine out of 10 Marketplace customers qualify for financial assistance.

Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. To apply for a plan on the Marketplace, Virginians need the following materials for each adult who will be covered:

• Photo ID.
• Social Security number.
• Most recent tax return.
• Pay stubs from the last four weeks.
• Immigration documents, if applicable.

For additional help — either online or in person — Virginians can access the following resources:

• The Marketplace Help Center can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.
• The FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about the Marketplace.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace reminds Virginians that December 15 is the last day to apply for health care coverage that starts on January 1, 2024. Any health care coverage secured after December 15 and before Open Enrollment ends on January 15 will begin on February 1, 2024.

After the Open Enrollment period ends January 15, Virginians experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) may be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace – which replaced HealthCare.gov for all Virginians – launched on November 1, 2023, and provides a wealth of resources for residents to find affordable health care coverage. Hundreds of thousands of Virginians have accessed the Marketplace this Open Enrollment Period to find coverage that meets their needs.

“The Marketplace is a resource that was created by Virginia for Virginians, and it’s great place to compare the costs of different plans or to see whether your doctor is covered under a certain plan,” said Keven Patchett, Director of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange. “We also know that health care coverage can sometimes be complex. For those moments, our consumer assistance center stands ready to answer questions and to assist consumers through the shopping experience.”

Marketplace plans provide quality, comprehensive coverage. They include free preventative services and guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions. Additionally, every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription services and more. In Virginia, consumers have a wide array of options to find a plan that best fits their needs.

The Marketplace is the only place where Virginians can apply for financial assistance to help lower their monthly insurance costs. Nearly 9 out of 10 Marketplace customers qualify for financial assistance.

Virginians who no longer qualify for Medicaid because of changes in their income may also qualify for considerable savings on the Marketplace.

To get started, Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. For additional help — either online or in person — Virginians can access the following resources:

• The Marketplace Help Center can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.
• The FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about the Marketplace.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The holiday season is here, and the State Corporation Commission's (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) wants Virginians to have a happy and safe holiday by protecting themselves financially with insurance to combat holiday mishaps.

The Bureau reminds Virginians that their holiday to-do list should include checking with their insurance agent or company to ensure they have the insurance coverage they need should an injury, illness, theft or mishap occur.

“Whether you are at home or on the road, don’t let a lack of insurance coverage dampen your holidays financially,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “Review your insurance coverage now and update it as needed. Know what is – and is not – covered and understand deductibles and coverage limits.”

While reviewing your insurance coverage, taking additional steps to keep your home, vehicle and belongings secure during this time of year is important. Take the time to know how much your auto and homeowners insurance will cover if someone steals gifts, decorations or other items from your vehicle, home or yard. Understand what type of insurance you need if a special holiday meal or decorations go up in flames, an undercooked turkey sends guests to the hospital, or frozen pipes burst causing water damage to your home.

Remember that distracted drivers and the potential for severe winter weather can make holiday travel a challenge. Keep your auto insurance company’s contact information and a copy of your insurance card with you when you drive. Review liability limits to ensure they’re adequate to protect against injury or damage if you are involved in an accident during the hectic holiday rush.

Familiarize yourself with what your medical insurance will cover if you need treatment at an urgent-care facility or hospital while you are out-of-state or traveling abroad. Make sure your health insurance information is up-to-date and always have copies of your insurance card with you when traveling.

The end of the year is a great time to create – or update – your home inventory. An inventory can help you determine if your homeowners or renters policy provides enough coverage for your belongings – as well as facilitate the claims process if you must file an insurance claim. An inventory also will help you identify high-cost items that may need separate insurance coverage, such as jewelry, art or electronics. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) free smartphone app — NAIC Home Inventory — makes creating a home inventory easy.

Finally, check that you have insurance coverage for seasonal activities that you may enjoy, such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

For information about a variety of insurance-related topics, contact the SCC’s Bureau of Insurance in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance. Additional information also may be found on the NAIC website at naic.org.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is announcing the November 1 launch of Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, which replaces HealthCare.gov as the Commonwealth’s official health benefit exchange. Virginia residents can enroll now in health insurance for 2024 on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace during the Open Enrollment Period, which ends January 15, 2024.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace was created by Virginia, for Virginians. The Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the SCC, operates Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.

“We work every day to better understand the unique needs of individuals and families in our state, and we have created a marketplace that connects them to high-quality, affordable health care coverage they can depend on,” said Keven Patchett, director of Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. 

The goal of Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace is to increase access to affordable and reliable health coverage for Virginians.

“We have had the privilege of working closely with state agencies, health insurance carriers, insurance agents, navigators and our technology vendor, GetInsured, to make this transition a reality for Virginia,” said Patchett. “We look forward to continuing these relationships as we work together to improve access to coverage for Virginians, reduce the number of uninsured, and support the continuity of coverage for those experiencing coverage transitions.”

“Transitioning to a state-based exchange is no small feat,” said Chini Krishnan, CEO of GetInsured. “Transitioning from the federal marketplace will put the Commonwealth in a strong position for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period and beyond, allowing the state more flexibility to provide the best access to affordable coverage for Virginians.

Individual and family plans are available to eligible Virginians, including those who are unemployed, are self-employed, or have jobs that don’t provide affordable insurance options. Residents who have lost Medicaid or FAMIS coverage are also encouraged to shop for affordable insurance on the Marketplace.

The Marketplace is the only place where Virginians can apply for financial assistance to help lower their monthly insurance costs. Nearly 9 out of 10 customers qualify for financial assistance.

Every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription services and more. 

To get started, Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. For additional help — either online or in person — Virginians can access the following resources:

• The Marketplace Help Center can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.
• The FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about the Marketplace.

For Virginians to receive coverage during 2024 through the Marketplace, they must enroll in a health plan at Marketplace.Virginia.gov by January 15, 2024. After January 15, Virginians experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) may be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141