Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace Sees Increased Enrollment at Close of its First Open Enrollment Period

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