An executive order from President Joe Biden has made it possible for for uninsured Michiganders to get health insurance outside of the regular enrollment period.
People would usually have to enroll between November and December, and would need a qualifying life change to enroll outside that period.
The special open enrollment period begins today and will end on May 15. The state Department of Insurance and Financial Services notes that there will be a number of healthcare options for Michiganders to choose from.
"By allowing ACA-compliant off-Marketplace health plans to be sold during this new special enrollment period, consumers will have more choices when it comes to getting the health coverage they need." says DIFS Director Anita Fox in a statement. "If you do not have health coverage, now is the time to check out plan options and pricing either off or on the Marketplace. The vast majority of Michigan residents who sign up through the Marketplace receive subsidies for no or low cost coverage."
Michigan lawmakers like Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have been calling for a special period since last March. The goal is to make sure that as many Michiganders as possible have health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic.