Open Enrollment on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace started Nov 1. This is the time of year that anybody can enroll in new coverage or make changes to their current plan without experiencing a qualifying life event. Free application assistance is available to Virginians during Open Enrollment and year-round through the Enroll Virginia program.

The Marketplace’s online platform at marketplace.virginia.gov is a one-stop shop where consumers can compare plans, enroll, and find local help all in one place. Financial help is available for most Virginians; nearly 9 out of 10 customers qualify for savings to lower the cost of their health plan. Every plan on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace is required to cover essential health benefits like preventive care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.

“We encourage shoppers to review their plans every year instead of letting their coverage renew automatically,” said Deepak Madala, director of Enroll Virginia. “Plan details and prices change from year to year, so a different option might be better for you in 2025.” 

Annual Medicaid renewals started again last year, and the state Medicaid agency reports that over 500,000 Virginians lost their coverage since March 2023. Individuals who no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage can find low-cost alternatives on the Marketplace. 

“The most important thing is to act fast when you lose your health coverage,” Madala said. “That way, you’re less likely to miss important deadlines and experience a gap in your coverage. If you lose your Medicaid, a navigator can help you reapply or transition to a new low-cost plan.” Call the toll-free helpline at 1-888-392-5132

Enroll Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative of Virginia Poverty Law Center that provides free and unbiased help with health coverage options through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and FAMIS. Consumers can contact Enroll Virginia’s staff to learn more about their insurance options and get help enrolling by calling the toll-free helpline at 1-888-392-5132. They can also find local assisters and make in-person or virtual appointments using Enroll Virginia’s online locator tool at enrollva.org/get-help.

Consumers who are seeking additional information or want to initiate their applications or renewals can also go directly to the Marketplace online at marketplace.virginia.gov or call the consumer assistance center at 1-888-687-1501 (TTY: 711). The call center’s hours are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 7p.m. Saturday. Language services are available.