FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: January 5, 2021
Contact: William Lineberry, Marketing &
Communications Manager
Enroll Virginia, 804-366-3531 or
william@vplc.org

Press Release: More than 260,000 Virginians enrolled during Open
Enrollment; 500,000 now covered by Medicaid expansion

Special Enrollment Periods for the Marketplace are now available for
qualifying life events

RICHMOND, Va.– More than 260,000 Virginians enrolled for health coverage through the Marketplace this past Open Enrollment period, which ended December 15, and more than 500,000 newly eligible adults are now enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion.

Virginians who remain uninsured can still find coverage. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round and the Marketplace offers special enrollment periods (SEPs) for those who experience a qualifying life event. There are a variety of life events that may qualify consumers for a special enrollment period through the Marketplace. They include:
• Losing health insurance due to job change or loss, turning 26, divorce or losing
Medicaid/CHIP eligibility
• Getting married
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Leaving incarceration
• Gaining eligible immigration status
• Moving
• Experiencing domestic violence

There are other situations and life events that can also qualify consumers for a special enrollment period. All of these special situations require applications within 60 days of the change.

“Many Virginians may still have the opportunity to enroll in affordable, high-quality health coverage through Medicaid or a Marketplace special enrollment” said Jill Hanken, director of Enroll Virginia. “During this continued COVID-19 pandemic ensuring your health needs are covered is more important than ever.”

Enroll Virginia’s team of federally-certified navigators are available in communities across the state to help individuals determine if they qualify for a SEP and assess Marketplace options if they are eligible. All Enroll Virginia services are unbiased and free to the public. Consumers can connect with their local Enroll Virginia navigator by visiting enrollva.org/get-help or by calling 888-392-5132 and entering their zip code. Consumers can also request SEPs or report life changes by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY users may dial 1-855-889-4325) or going to www.Healthcare.gov.

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Enroll Virginia is supported by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, in
accordance with the provisions of Va. Code § 38.2-6513(B). The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors.