GHP helping Genesee, Bay and Saginaw County residents get health care coverage during extended open enrollment

The new American Rescue Plan Act is aimed at making health care coverage more affordable

FLINT – Genesee Health Plan (GHP) is continuing to help residents of Genesee, Bay and Saginaw counties enroll in health insurance plans through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange — also known as HealthCare.gov — through the extended enrollment period provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The new law extends the second open enrollment period to Aug. 15, provides tax credits to help lower premiums for some people, and provides additional affordable options for people who have previously dropped their coverage or did not purchase it due to the cost. Premiums after these new savings should decrease, on average, by $50 per person per month or by $85 per policy per month. Four out of five enrollees should be able find a plan for $10 or less/month after premium tax credits.

“We have seen a steady decrease in health care enrollment in the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace since it was introduced in 2014 through the Affordable Care Act,” said Jim Milanowski, GHP president and CEO. “Many individuals have dropped their coverage because it had been unaffordable within their personal budgets.” “When families are faced with the decision to put food on the table, pay rent and essential utilities, health care often gets dropped. In a pandemic, it’s crucial that everyone has affordable and equal opportunities in accessing health care coverage.”

GHP is helping enroll uninsured residents of Genesee, Saginaw, and Bay counties with support of a federal Navigator Cooperative Agreement Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Individuals hit hard during the pandemic, particularly those who have lost their job and health coverage — including “gig” workers, temporary/seasonal workers, entertainers, musicians and school bus drivers — are encouraged to contact GHP for enrollment assistance into a variety of programs including the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace, Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid) and GHP.

“The CMS grant is allowing GHP to continue our work in reaching populations who face barriers to enrolling in health care coverage, which is especially important due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,” Milanowski said. “We’re here to help people through the stressful, confusing process of finding, evaluating and enrolling in affordable health care coverage and with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, GHP can help current HealthCare.Gov Marketplace enrollees understand what tax credits they may qualify for and any decrease in premiums they may receive.”

The project described is supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS-NAV-19-002 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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