When the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021, health insurance subsidy eligibility changed.
While you used to be able to check a chart to see if your income fell within the limits to be subsidy eligible, now subsidies are based upon a formula.
The amount of subsidy you receive will ensure that you will not pay more than 8.5% of your household income for your health insurance. The calculation is based upon premiums for a reference plan known as the “2nd lowest cost silver plan” in your area.
The Kaiser Family Foundation provides a detailed explanation in this article.
To learn if you are subsidy-eligible, enter your data here: www.enrollvirginianow.com.
Enroll in 2022 Health Insurance
You can enroll in a 2022 health insurance plan between November 1, 2021 and January 15, 2022. This is open enrollment.
Your 2022 coverage start date depends on the date you apply for coverage, as follows:
If you apply between … | Your coverage will be effective … |
Nov 15, 2021 – Dec 15, 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 |
Dec 16, 2021 – Jan 15, 2022 | Feb 1, 2022 |
Outside of open enrollment, you must have a qualifying event to enroll in a new individual plan.
Find out if you will qualify for a subsidy AND obtain the subsidy by buying your health insurance through your state’s exchange.
If you live in Virginia, visit www.enrollvirginianow.com to view plans and enroll.
DC residents – visit DC Healthlink.
In Maryland, visit the Maryland Health Connection. (Note: we don’t work with Maryland Health Connection.)
Medicaid
Please note, Virginia expanded Medicaid effective January 1, 2019.
If you think you qualify for Medicaid, please visit your state’s Medicaid website for more information:
- Virginia: www.coverva.org.
- Maryland: www.mmcp.health.maryland.gov
- DC: www.dc.gov