Wisconsin’s Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek is urging Wisconsinites to sign up for healthcare coverage during Open Enrollment. He tells Mid-West Farm Report that roughly 300,000 Wisconsinites are uninsured.
Open Enrollment is happening now through Jan. 15. During this time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period.
By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, Wisconsinites can get connected with free, expert help. These people can help you understand your coverage options. You may also qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare.
“Shop around on the marketplace to find a high-quality plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more. There are a lot of options out there, and you might even qualify for a health insurance plan at low or no cost,” says Houdek. “Talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker, use the chat tool on WisCovered.com, or call 2-1-1 to find a free expert who can help you one-on-one.”
The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing 8 percent from 2019 to 2021. During Open Enrollment last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance, the highest enrollment in Wisconsin since 2018. Increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings.
Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov.