Physicians at the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP), and Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) today encouraged Michigan families to mark their calendars for the November 1st start of open enrollment in the 2018 marketplace for health insurance.

Beginning on November 1st, residents can enroll, re-enroll, or change plans for 2018 through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Michiganders can sign-up for important email and text updates and reminders through HealthCare.gov.

“Open enrollment provides families the important opportunity to ensure they’ve got the health care coverage they need for the year to come,” said Cheryl Gibson Fountain, MD, FACOG, President of the Michigan State Medical Society. “Nothing is more important than the health of the people we love. Taking advantage of the open enrollment period is a critical step on the path to a healthier family.”

The Health Insurance Marketplace is for individuals and families that don’t already have health coverage through their employer, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or other sources.

Beginning next month, residents can apply on HealthCare.gov, by phone, in person with help, or with a paper application. The open enrollment period runs from November 1 through December 15.

“Michigan has some of the most incredible health care teams and facilities in the world, and open enrollment is the first step towards ensuring patients have the access to the quality care they need,” said Loretta Leja, MD, President of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. “Keep your family healthy. Get covered!”

Said John Sealey, DO, FACOS, President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association: “The right health care coverage can make all difference in the world. The open enrollment process is easier than many might imagine, and help is available for those who need it. Mark your calendars for November 1.”

For more information about the application process, and to get ready to take advantage of Open Enrollment, residents can visit HealthCare.gov.

“The funding for enrolling Michigan residents in healthcare coverage is as limited as it’s ever been this year, but our member hospitals are fully committed to doing their part to help our patients and families enroll in a healthcare plan that best suits their needs,” said Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. “To say we are disappointed in the decision to cut funding for something as important as connecting people with health insurance benefits would be an understatement -- make no mistake, that decision represents a disservice to people in Michigan and throughout the nation. However, our top concern is and will continue to be the health and well-being of our patients, families and communities, and we are willing to assist in signing up as many people as we can during this year’s open enrollment period.”

ABOUT:

• The Michigan State Medical Society is a professional association of more than 15,000 Michigan physicians. Its mission is to promote a health care environment which supports physicians in caring for, and enhancing the health of Michigan citizens through science, quality, and ethics in the practice of medicine. 
• The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is the state’s largest specialty physician association. With more than 4,200 members, MAFP is dedicated to assisting family physicians and their practices as they work to ensure high-quality, cost-effective health care for patients of all ages. 
• The Michigan Osteopathic Association represents more than 8,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students in Michigan. For more than 117 years, the MOA has been dedicated to the promotion of quality patient care and to the educational, informational, and legislative needs of its partners. 
• The Michigan Health and Hospital Association represents community hospitals across Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care.