Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace Encourages Virginians to Enroll in Health Plans by December 31 for Coverage to Begin January 1

RICHMOND – Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace is reminding Virginians that December 31 is the last day to apply for health care coverage that starts on January 1, 2025. Health care coverage secured after December 31 and before the Open Enrollment Period ends on January 15, 2025, will begin on February 1, 2025.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace is operated by the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission. As the Commonwealth’s official platform for comparing and purchasing health insurance, the Marketplace has helped over 400,000 residents enroll in health plans since its launch in 2023. Nine out of 10 households qualify for financial assistance through the Marketplace.

“We are pleased to see so many Virginians shopping for and finding high-quality, affordable plans on the Marketplace,” said Keven Patchett, director of Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. “Our team is prepared to continue helping Virginians navigate the open enrollment process and receive the perfect health plan for themselves and their families.”

After this year’s Open Enrollment Period, Virginians can still search for and enroll in health plans on the Marketplace if they experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as getting married, having a child, or losing health coverage. Virginians who have lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding period can also find affordable health plans on the Marketplace through June 30, 2025.

Every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include emergency services, pregnancy and childbirth services, and prescription drugs. 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.

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: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141