Don’t Miss Out! Virginia Extends Health Insurance Deadline by 1 Week—Here’s What You Need to Know

Good news for Virginians! You now have an extra week to enroll in health insurance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. The new deadline is January 22, announced Kevin Patchett, the director of the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange. This extension came after officials noticed that many people were still interested in signing up for coverage.

Since November, nearly 400,000 people have enrolled in plans through the state marketplace. Impressively, around 50,000 of these people are accessing health insurance for the first time.

Virginia launched its own marketplace in 2023, allowing the state to manage funds locally instead of sending them to the federal government. This has proven beneficial, as it enables Virginians to receive dedicated resources for their healthcare needs.

The previous deadline of January 15 matched the federal open enrollment period. However, Patchett criticized this date as arbitrary, highlighting that many states with their own exchanges extend enrollment periods beyond federal guidelines. Currently, 19 states and Washington, D.C. manage their own insurance marketplaces.

State Senator Ghazala Hashmi praised the marketplace, noting that nearly 90% of those who signed up qualified for premium savings. Some consumers pay as little as $10 a month for their coverage. Hashmi also mentioned that enhancements to premium tax credits have made coverage more affordable for even those with higher incomes.

Lester Johnson, a local restaurant owner, shared how health insurance has positively impacted his team. He described it as a “much-needed resource” for preventive care and regular doctor visits. Johnson expressed his hope that more small business owners would explore affordable health care options to avoid financial struggles due to medical emergencies.

Since 2021, President Biden’s administration has implemented enhanced health insurance subsidies, known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits. These have helped reduce premiums significantly, nearly by half, for many enrollees. However, these subsidies are set to expire in 2025, leaving uncertainty about their future as federal policies may shift under a new president.

Hashmi is focused on collaborating with Virginia’s congressional delegation to protect these essential federal tax credits. She stresses the importance of signing up through the marketplace this year, as it demonstrates to Washington the popularity of these programs and makes the case for their continuation into 2026.

Stay informed about health coverage and take advantage of this extended enrollment period!

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