By Mike Finney

Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace set an all-time high in 2022, with a 26.8% increase in participants over the open-enrollment total for 2021.

Officials believe that strong public demand for coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced federal subsidies and Delaware’s reinsurance program, which keeps the cost of premiums relatively steady, sparked the surge in enrollments this year.

“We are pleased that an increasing number of Delawareans decided to buy coverage through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace,” Gov. John Carney said in a statement. “Being able to provide access to high-quality, affordable health care is one of the cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act.

“We are grateful to the Biden administration and the Congressional Delegation for providing enhanced federal subsidies on the marketplace plans to help improve access to health insurance for Delawareans.”

During Delaware’s ninth open-enrollment period, which began Nov. 1, 2021, and ended Jan. 15, 32,113 residents enrolled for health insurance on HealthCare.gov.

The previous year, sign-ups during open enrollment totaled 25,320.

For those who enrolled by Dec. 15, 2021, and paid their first premium, coverage began Jan. 1. For those who enrolled by Jan. 15 and paid the first premium, coverage began Tuesday.

The Biden administration used American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase tax credits and expand subsidies deeper into the middle class. For instance, a family of four (both parents in their 40s) making $50,000 were eligible for a tax credit of roughly $16,500, compared with $14,300 previously.

The vast majority of enrollees on Delaware’s marketplace were eligible for financial assistance, which helps reduce the cost of monthly premiums and/or deductibles, and also lowers out-of-pocket health care costs.

“As we begin the recovery from COVID-19, providing this crucial access to high-quality, affordable health care is another way we will improve the overall health and well-being of Delawareans,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “We urge everyone to use their coverage to get caught up on necessary screenings, vaccines and annual checkups, and to work with health care providers to manage chronic health conditions, address emerging health care needs and to improve their overall physical and behavioral health.”

Delawareans were able to choose from 13 plans on the marketplace through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

Additionally, two dental insurers — Delta Dental of Delaware and Dominion Dental Services — offered stand-alone dental plans via the marketplace.

Monthly premiums for the 2022 health plans were about 3% higher on average than the 2021 rates, due in part to increases in prescription costs and an anticipation of elective procedures resuming after being postponed due to the pandemic.

This year’s single-digit increase in premiums follows decreases the previous two enrollment years, which totaled more than 19%. Federal subsidies cut consumer costs across the country by an average of 40%, negating the small increase in base rates, officials said.

“Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace has seen great success in reducing our uninsured population, but the fact is that the pandemic increased it due to loss of employer-provided coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “With the federal subsidies expanding, the 2021 special enrollment period and an extended enrollment period for 2022 plans, we were able to reach many of those in need of comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.

“It is my hope that Congress will not let the enhanced assistance expire at the end of the year, so we can continue to serve those economically disadvantaged and middle-income families who have been hit hardest by the financial impacts of the pandemic.”

In June 2019, Gov. Carney signed legislation to create a reinsurance program in Delaware, and in August of that year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services authorized it.

The initiative has lowered health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost health care claims through a fund that uses a mix of federal monies and assessments collected by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers.

Because the insurers’ claims costs are lower, they can reduce the cost of premiums or limit increases. Delaware’s reinsurance program, which began Jan. 1, 2020, is administered by the Delaware Health Care Commission.

In September 2021, the Biden administration awarded Delaware $10.8 million through CMS to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage through its Section 1332 state-based reinsurance waiver.

With the end of open enrollment on the marketplace, Delawareans can sign up for coverage only if they experience a life event that qualifies them for a special enrollment period. Among the many events are birth or adoption of a child, a permanent move, loss of other coverage through a job, and/or marriage or divorce. Individuals should visit here to see if they qualify.

In addition to the marketplace, some Delawareans might be eligible for coverage through the state’s expanded Medicaid program, open year-round. More than 10,000 people have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.