Careful Consideration of Insurance Plans Urged During Special Enrollment Period

Consumers should be wary of non-marketplace plans that offer limited benefits

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro is joining commissioners across the country in cautioning residents who may be considering purchasing an insurance plan that does not adequately meet their needs or comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefit requirements. The Special Enrollment Period, which started February 15, is a great time to review and enroll in insurance plans offered on the Marketplace. However, non-compliant off-marketplace plans may be heavily advertised during this period, and may appear attractive despite often being more expensive and far less comprehensive.

One health insurance alternative that is being marketed quite a lot is short-term limited benefit health insurance. This not a recommended form of coverage, and these plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions – anything that a person has been diagnosed with or sought treatment for within the past five or more years. Limited benefit plans only cover a set number of doctor visits for a limited dollar amount and may have very high deductibles and copay requirements. These plans do not qualify for or replace a major medical, ACA-approved health insurance policy, and policies are only effective for three months and are not renewable.

Other products contain similar flaws that could put the consumer at risk of significant medical bills, including lack of coverage critical needs. Coverage for prescriptions, pre-existing conditions, surgery and outpatient procedures, hospital and emergency visits, maternity and pediatric care, and mental and behavioral healthcare could all be excluded from these plans. Non-insurance products, such as health care sharing ministries, are not regulated, and as such are not required to cover a person’s needed care. Trade association plans and other limited plans can offer low-quality coverage that does not meet ACA standards and may not meet a consumer’s needs. None of these plans offer the financial subsidies and tax credits of ACA plans, which about 86 percent of Delaware enrollees are eligible for.

Delaware consumers can ask themselves questions to better recognize problematic plans:

Is the policy underwritten by a reputable insurer?
Does this policy cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Are plan details, such as coverage for maternity care, available in writing?
Is the plan found on an official Marketplace website, like HealthCare.gov or ChooseHealthDE.com?
Can a person enroll without any auxiliary payment, such as an enrollment fee, subscription, or membership fee?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, the plan may not be legitimate, and the consumer should reconsider the policy. Even if these red flags are not found, residents should scrutinize plan content, and, if working with an agent or broker, verify their license with the department.

While the Delaware Department of Insurance has not seen significant increases in fraudulent contact or limited benefit plan sales, the pandemic has emboldened bad actors who aim to capitalize upon unusual circumstances, including the Special Enrollment Period.

The Special Enrollment Period was authorized by President Biden and will allow Marketplace enrollment through May 15 on HealthCare.gov. Individuals who are uninsured, regardless of the reason for their lack of insurance, can enroll during this period. Existing Marketplace participants have the option to move to another plan. Local coverage navigators are available to direct consumers to appropriate plans, visit the Choose Health DE website to get connected to a local navigator, or call (800) 318-2596.

More information about the Special Enrollment Period

Delawareans Will Have New Opportunity to Gain Health Insurance Through HealthCare.Gov from Feb. 15 to May 15

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 9, 2021) –Delawareans looking for affordable health insurance will have an additional opportunity to sign up for coverage – including tax credits for eligible enrollees that help to reduce monthly premiums significantly – from Feb. 15 to May 15 on HealthCare.gov, the federal online Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

In light of the exceptional challenges and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Biden signed an executive order Jan. 28 that created a three-month special enrollment period (SEP) to give Americans greater access to health insurance, including those who lost their job or their coverage as part of the fallout from the pandemic.

“Access to affordable health care remains a critical need for all Delawareans as we continue to fight the spread of the coronavirus. I am grateful to President Biden for giving state residents this additional opportunity to get the coverage they need,” said Delaware Gov. John Carney. “I encourage everyone to spread the word about the benefits of enrolling in coverage through HealthCare.gov during this three-month sign-up period.”

“This special enrollment period provides a great opportunity for Delawareans who are looking for high-quality, affordable health insurance, especially those impacted by the pandemic,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “Despite the success of the Health Insurance Marketplace since it opened eight years ago, many state residents still lack insurance, and some might remain unaware that they can access comprehensive care – and, in many cases, get financial help to afford it – through HealthCare.gov.”

The marketplace’s annual open enrollment period for 2021 coverage ended Dec. 15, and since then individuals could get coverage only if they experienced a life event that qualified them to apply for a special enrollment period. The new three-month enrollment period is open to all eligible applicants who want to apply for coverage or change their existing coverage for any reason; applicants won’t be required to provide documentation of a qualifying event (e.g., loss of a job or birth of a child).

Individuals currently covered under a marketplace plan will be able to change to any plan available in Delaware without being restricted to the same level of coverage as their current plan. Current enrollees will need to go through their existing application and make any necessary changes then submit their application in order to receive an updated eligibility result.

Eligible individuals who enroll under the special enrollment period will have 30 days after they submit their application to choose a plan. Note that even after the special enrollment period ends May 15, individuals who experience qualifying life-changing events will be eligible to enroll for marketplace coverage. (It is also worth noting that proof of insurance is not required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, once your group becomes eligible.)

Delaware is one of 36 states that use HealthCare.gov for eligible residents to sign up for coverage. More than 25,000 Delawareans signed up for 2021 coverage during the recent open enrollment period.

The special enrollment period is available to all marketplace-eligible individuals who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application. You can enroll in marketplace coverage at www.HealthCare.gov or www.CuidadodeSalud.gov or by calling 1 (800) 318-2596 (TTY: 1 855 889-4325).

Applicants will need to provide the following when applying for coverage:

Full names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of all those applying for coverage
Legal documents for all eligible immigrants who are applying for coverage (i.e. Visa, Green Card, etc.)
Paystubs, W-2 forms, or other information about your family’s income
Information about any health coverage from a job that’s available to you or your family
For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com.

About 6.6 percent of Delawareans remain uninsured, according to the 2020 America’s Health Rankings. That’s down significantly from the nearly 10 percent who lacked insurance in 2010 before the ACA and the Health Insurance Marketplace existed.

“For nearly a year, we have hoped that the Health Insurance Marketplace would allow for greater enrollment opportunities in response to the pandemic and economic conditions. President Biden has made it happen,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “This Special Enrollment Period will help ensure Delaware residents have access to comprehensive health insurance that protects pre-existing conditions. And, because we’ve reduced rates by more than 19% over the past two years, these plans are more affordable for residents.”

Support from Congressional delegation

Delaware’s U.S. senators and representative urged uninsured or underinsured Delawareans, especially those who may have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, to find out what’s available for them on the marketplace during the three-month enrollment period.

“President Biden understands that it is critical for Americans to be able to access the care and coverage they need during an unprecedented pandemic. That’s why he’s beginning a new open enrollment period so that Delawareans, and families across this country, have another chance to enroll in a health insurance plan and get covered this year,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, who helped pen the Affordable Care Act that created the marketplaces. “Don’t leave your family’s well-being to chance. Enroll in an affordable, high-quality health insurance plan today that meets your needs and your budget.”

“I commend the Biden administration for reopening the federal online Health Insurance Marketplace, which will allow Delawareans, particularly those impacted by COVID-19, another opportunity to sign up for the health insurance coverage that best meets their needs,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Ensuring that Delawareans have access to quality, affordable health care is critical, even more so during a pandemic. I urge all Delawareans who need health coverage to assess their options during this three-month special enrollment period.”

“As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans are in need of affordable and accessible care, it is crucial that comprehensive health coverage is available to all those that need it,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “A special enrollment period is critical for allowing Delawareans in need of health insurance to sign up. I’m grateful to President Biden for reopening the Health Insurance Marketplace and ensuring that everyone who needs coverage has access.”

What’s covered

All plans on the marketplace offer essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, outpatient care (including telehealth services), emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, and pediatric services.

Marketplace plans can’t terminate coverage due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. The rules in marketplace plans for treatment of COVID-19 are the same as for any other viral infection; enrollees are encouraged to check their particular plan for complete information about benefits.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is the sole health insurer offering plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2021. Highmark offers 12 plans for individuals and families. Two dental insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – offer a collective 11 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace.

Affordability

About 86 percent of marketplace enrollees in Delaware in 2020 were eligible for federal tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium.

Tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2021 coverage, that’s between $17,609 and $51,040 for an individual, or between $36,156 and $104,800 for a family of four.

According to the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the overall average monthly premium in Delaware in 2020 was $668, with the average premium reduced to $192 per month after tax credit. For the 86 percent of Delawareans who received financial assistance, the average premium after tax credit was $110 per month.

Plans on the marketplace are spread among metal-level categories – bronze, silver, gold and platinum – and are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company. Bronze plans have low monthly premiums but high costs when you need care; gold plans have high premiums but lower costs when you need care. In a silver plan, the insurer pays about 70 percent of medical costs and the consumer pays about 30 percent. For any marketplace plan in 2021, individual consumers can’t pay more than $8,550 in out-of-pocket medical costs and families can’t pay more than $17,100.

“Catastrophic” plans are also available to some people. Catastrophic plans have low monthly premiums and very high deductibles. They may be an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios, like getting seriously sick or injured. But you pay most routine medical expenses yourself.

Consumers who pick silver health care plans might also qualify for additional savings through discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In Delaware, about 29 percent of current enrollees qualify for cost-sharing reductions.

Where to find help

Delawareans who want help enrolling in coverage will have access to free assistance from trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare. Virtual and phone appointments are encouraged; in-person appointments are limited and must be made in advance. Because of the pandemic, walk-ins are not permitted. Assistance is available in any language and for all Delaware residents. Call 302-472-8655 in New Castle County, 302-678-2205 in Kent/Sussex counties or email enrollment@westsidehealth.org.

State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge. See a list at ChooseHealthDE.com.

Medicaid

President Biden’s executive order also called for states to reexamine policies, such as work requirements, that restrict access to coverage through Medicaid, which pays medical bills for eligible low-income families and others whose income is insufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical services. This part of the president’s order does not affect Delaware, which under the ACA expanded access to Medicaid starting in 2014. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the state’s Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits year-round, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace Increases More Than 5% For Coverage in 2021

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 23, 2020) – Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace increased more than 5% during the open enrollment period that ended Dec. 15.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, a total of 25,260 Delawareans signed up for 2021 coverage through the marketplace, an increase of 5.3% over last year’s open enrollment period, when 23,981 people enrolled.

For those who signed up by Dec. 15 and paid their first premium, coverage will begin Jan. 1.

The numbers represent preliminary data released Dec. 18 by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS plans to release final enrollment totals in January.

This year’s rise in enrollments follows last year’s 6.3% increase in sign-ups over the 2019 open enrollment period.

“We are pleased that again this year, more Delawareans decided to buy coverage through Delaware’s Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace,” Governor John Carney said. “Having high-quality, affordable health insurance brings security and stability to our residents at a time when that is needed more than ever. Since the ACA was implemented we have cut the state’s uninsured population nearly in half — an important step toward a stronger and healthier Delaware.”

Now that open enrollment has ended, Delawareans can sign up for coverage only if they experience a life event that qualifies them for a special enrollment period. Among the many qualifying life events are birth or adoption of a child, a permanent move, loss of other coverage through a job, and marriage or divorce. In addition to the health insurance marketplace, some Delawareans might be eligible for coverage through Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

“Access to quality care makes a big difference in our health and well-being, especially for those with chronic conditions or in other vulnerable circumstances,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all understand how critical it is to have health insurance and the connection it provides to care. I am heartened by the number of Delawareans who recognized the value of coverage through the marketplace and were able to sign up this year.”

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is the sole health insurer offering plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2021, offering 12 plans for individuals and families. Two dental insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – offer a collective 11 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace.

For more about Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com.

Dec. 15 Last Day to Sign Up for 2021 Coverage on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 14, 2020) – Delawareans have until Tuesday, Dec. 15, to sign up for or change their health coverage for 2021 through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace. For those who enroll by the deadline and pay their first premium, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2021. State residents can sign up for coverage at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Free assistance is available through Westside Family Healthcare at 302-472-8655 in New Castle County and 302-678-2205 in Kent and Sussex counties or enrollment@westsidehealth.org. State-licensed insurance agents and brokers also can help individuals enroll or re-enroll and help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge. For contact information and other details about Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com.

Individuals who don’t act by Dec. 15 cannot get 2021 coverage unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on circumstances such as a loss of qualifying health coverage, change of income, birth or adoption of a child, a permanent move, marriage or divorce, or other qualifying factors.

To speed up the enrollment process, Delawareans should have the following documents or information ready:

Birth dates of those applying for coverage.
Social Security numbers of those applying for coverage.
Pay stubs, W-2 forms or other information detailing your family’s income.
Policy or member numbers for any current health insurance plans.
Information about any health insurance that is available to you or your family through a job.
Your log-in and account information if you have previously enrolled on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Marketplace plans can’t terminate coverage due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. Check with your health insurance company for their specific benefits and coverage policy. If you already have coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace,

the rules in your marketplace plan for treatment of COVID-19 remain the same as for any other viral infection, but your health insurance company may have added benefits. Log in to HealthCare.gov to update your marketplace application if COVID-19 impacts your income or household. You may be able to change your plan if certain situations apply.

Rates on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace have decreased more than 19 percent on average over the past two years. Monthly premiums for 2021 plans in Delaware are 1 percent lower on average than the 2020 plans. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is the sole health insurer offering plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Enrollees can choose from among 12 Highmark plans for 2021 or they will be re-enrolled automatically in a plan similar to their current one.

About 86 percent of last year’s enrollees in Delaware qualified for federal tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium. Tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2021 coverage, that’s between $17,609 and $51,040 for an individual, or between $36,156 and $104,800 for a family of four.

For 2021, Highmark offers 12 plans for individuals and families – three gold plans, three silver, three bronze, two platinum, and one catastrophic. Two dental insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – offer a collective 11 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace, six with a low actuarial level (70 percent) and five with a high actuarial level (85 percent).

Consumers who pick silver health care plans might qualify for additional savings through discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In Delaware, about 29 percent of current enrollees qualify for cost-sharing reductions.

Through Nov. 28, 7,748 Delawareans had signed up for 2021 coverage through the marketplace, an increase of 5.7% from a similar period last year.

Last year, nearly 24,000 people signed up or renewed their coverage during open enrollment, including about 70 percent during the final three weeks. Open enrollment began Nov. 1.

“I urge Delawareans who need coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace to take action now to enroll,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “Go to HealthCare.gov or take advantage of our local resources to see the 2021 plans and find out if you qualify for financial assistance.”

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some Delawareans might be eligible for coverage through Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Enrollment Open For Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace

Rates reduced for second straight year; open enrollment for 2021 coverage ends Dec. 15

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 30, 2020) – Delawareans looking for health insurance will see a second straight year of reduced rates when they shop for 2021 coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The marketplace’s eighth open enrollment period starts Sunday, Nov. 1, and ends Tuesday, Dec. 15, at www.HealthCare.gov, where consumers can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will take effect Jan. 1.

Monthly premiums for 2021 plans in Delaware will be 1 percent lower on average than the 2020 plans, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced in August. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is the sole health insurer offering plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Enrollees will choose one of 12 Highmark plans or they will be re-enrolled automatically in a plan similar to their current one.

This year’s rate reduction follows last year’s average 19 percent drop, which reflected federal approval in 2019 of Delaware’s reinsurance program. The program aims to lower health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost health care claims through a $27 million fund that uses a mix of federal funding and assessments collected by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers. Because the insurers’ claims costs are lower, they can charge lower premiums.

Last year, nearly 24,000 people signed up for coverage through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment. With the new reinsurance program driving down the cost of monthly premiums, enrollment increased more than 6 percent from the previous year’s open enrollment period. About 75 percent of last year’s enrollees were renewing their coverage and 25 percent were new enrollees.

Federal tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2021 coverage, that’s between $17,609 and $51,040 for an individual, or between $36,156 and $104,800 for a family of four. For coverage in 2020, about 86 percent of enrollees in Delaware were eligible for tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium.

“Over the past two years, health insurance rates on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are down more than 19 percent. That’s good news for Delawareans who look to the marketplace for quality, affordable health care coverage,” said Governor John Carney. “All Delaware families need access to affordable, quality health care. That access is especially critical now as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for a possible resurgence of the virus this winter. I particularly encourage small-business owners, independent contractors and individuals who don’t have access to health insurance through an employer to check out the plans available on Delaware’s marketplace.”

For 2021, Highmark will offer 12 plans for individuals – three gold plans, three silver, three bronze, two platinum, and one catastrophic. Two dental insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – will offer a collective 11 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace, six with a low actuarial level (70 percent) and five with a high actuarial level (85 percent).

All plans offer essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, and pediatric services.

“High-quality, affordable health care greatly contributes to the health and well-being of the residents of Delaware,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “This year, COVID-19 has underscored how important such coverage is for Delawareans, especially those with chronic conditions or in other vulnerable circumstances. I urge everyone to shop for coverage on Delaware’s marketplace or to talk with their insurance agent or broker. For those who already have coverage, I encourage them to go back to HealthCare.gov or to their agent, update their information and compare plans to make sure they have the best coverage to meet their health care needs and their budget.”

This year’s average 1 percent decrease in premiums comes as the market has stabilized after the significant 19 percent average reduction last year, said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Decreasing premiums has increased the affordability and accessibility of ACA plans. We expect to see increased enrollment again this year. Now, more than ever, it is vital that every resident can afford the insurance they need for their families.”

Assistance for Delaware enrollees

Consumers can go to HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov now to explore their options for 2021 coverage, and they can enroll anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15. (Search “coronavirus” for how COVID-19 might impact marketplace coverage.) Quality ratings are displayed on plans on HealthCare.gov, using a five-star rating system, with five stars representing the highest quality. The rating is based on medical care, member experience and plan administration. In some cases – when plans are new or have low enrollment – ratings may not be available. A rating of three stars or above means a health plan is considered average or above average. All 12 of Delaware’s marketplace plans for 2021 are rated three stars.

Delawareans who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare, and by certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown. For the third straight year, Westside is the only organization in Delaware to receive federal funding for navigators to help people enroll for coverage.

State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge.

For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com. You can enroll in marketplace coverage at HealthCare.gov or by calling 1 (800) 318-2596 (TTY: 1 855 889-4325).

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

Eighty-six percent of Delaware’s marketplace enrollees receive financial assistance to help pay their monthly premiums and/or deductibles and co-pays.
The overall average monthly premium in Delaware is $668, with the average premium reduced to $192 per month after tax credit. For the 86 percent of Delawareans who receive financial assistance, the average premium after tax credit is $110 per month.
Among the 23,981 people who signed up during last year’s open enrollment, about 75 percent were re-enrollees and 25 percent were new enrollees.
Financial help is available for individuals with annual incomes up to $51,040; for a family of four the income limit is $104,800.
About 70 percent of Delaware’s enrollees signed up during the final three weeks of open enrollment in 2019, Nov. 25-Dec. 1, Dec. 2-8, and Dec. 9-17 (HHS extended last year’s sign-up period by two days because of technical issues on Dec. 15, the final scheduled day to buy coverage.)
As of 2019, there is no longer a federal tax penalty for individuals who can afford coverage but who choose not to buy it.

The 10-year-old Affordable Care Act (ACA), which created the Health Insurance Marketplace, allows states to waive certain ACA requirements in order to customize their health insurance systems while retaining the basic protections of the ACA. In August 2019, Governor Carney signed legislation codifying various ACA consumer protections into state law and ensuring that if the ACA is ever repealed or changed, its consumer protections will remain in effect in Delaware. This includes provisions such as guaranteed-issue coverage (regardless of medical history), coverage for essential health benefits, a ban on lifetime and annual benefit maximums, limits on out-of-pocket costs, and rules regarding the factors that insurers can use to set premiums.

Support from Congressional Delegation

Delaware’s U.S. senators and representative urged uninsured Delawareans to find out what’s available for them on the marketplace.

“I want to be perfectly clear: the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, and health insurance navigators are on hand to help Delawareans enroll in an affordable health care plan that meets their families’ needs and budget starting on Nov. 1,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Especially as our country navigates an unprecedented pandemic, it’s critical that everyone has access to affordable, quality health coverage. I encourage everyone to visit HealthCare.Gov today to enroll without delay!” “Having affordable and comprehensive health insurance is critical, especially while in the middle of a pandemic and nearing the height of flu season,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Running through December 15, open enrollment is the time for Delawareans to review and update existing health care plans or look for completely new coverage that works best for them. I’m encouraging everyone, whether you’ve got health coverage or you don’t, to visit Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace to evaluate coverage options and explore financial assistance that may be available.” “In the midst of a pandemic, we’ve been starkly reminded of the importance of health insurance. That’s why I join with my colleagues and partners in telling Delawareans that November 1st marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Experts and navigators will be on hand to help Delawareans select the plan that works best for them and their families and I encourage everyone to visit HealthCare.Gov to find out more and enroll.”

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage though Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000

Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST. Note: As of Oct. 1, dental care is included in coverage for adult Medicaid enrollees in Delaware.

Both the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Medicaid expansion have helped to reduce Delaware’s uninsured rate, decreasing from 10 percent in 2008 to 6.6 percent in 2019, according to the Census Bureau. That decline includes Delawareans who could not get coverage before the Affordable Care Act because of pre-existing conditions.