Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace increased more than five percent during the open enrollment period that ended Dec. 15.
From Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 25,260 Delawareans signed up for 2021 coverage through the marketplace, an increase of 5.3 percent over last year’s open enrollment period, when 23,981 people enrolled.
Rates have been declining for the coverage, despite the state having only one insurer under the program. The plans still come with out of pocket charges, but offers protection from serious illness.
The marketplace is typically used by people between jobs or without other options for coverage. That group can also include businesspeople and those with professional practices.
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 percent increase in sign-ups over the 2019 open enrollment period.
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.
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, 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.
The marketplace is part of the Affordable Care Act, sometimes known as Obamacare. A suit brought by Republicans governors that was brought by Republican governors is now before the Supreme Court.
For more about Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com.
