HHS data shows that 290,439 people have signed up or renewed their health insurance policies
The federal Department of Health and Human Services has released information showing that more than 290,000 people in Michigan have enrolled for insurance coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange. The majority of these people will have their insurance coverage go into effect on February first, but consumers will have until February 15 to purchase the coverage they are interested in. Those that do not purchase insurance coverage by February 15 may have to wait until next year to acquire health insurance policies.
Consumers enjoy an improved insurance exchange
Altogether, some 290,439 Michigan residents have received coverage from the state’s health insurance exchange. Consumers using the exchanges have reported relatively few technical problems, which is a vast improvement from last year. During the last open enrollment period, many consumers were unable to purchase insurance coverage because of glitches in the exchange’s software. Over the past several months, Michigan has been working to resolve these problems, making health insurance coverage more accessible to all.
6.5 million people throughout the US have signed up for or renewed insurance coverage through exchange
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 6.5 million people throughout the country have signed up or renewed their health insurance policies through exchanges since the beginning of the current open enrollment period. Many people have found exchanges easier to use than they were in 2013 and early 2014. This is because the technical issues that had plagued the federal exchange infrastructure have been resolved, for the most part. Enrollment numbers are expected to continue climbing until the end of the open enrollment period.
Many people are eligible for financial aid from the federal government
Many of those that have enrolled for coverage are eligible for subsidies from the federal government. These subsidies are meant to offset the overall cost of health insurance coverage, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers throughout the country. Those that choose not to purchase insurance coverage are likely to face penalties from the federal government this year.
