(Posted 2024 November)
Open Enrollment through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace opened November 1, 2024, allowing individuals and families to enroll in healthcare insurance plans for 2025. The Marketplace can be a useful option for those who:
- do not receive affordable health insurance options through their employer
- do not have any health insurance (uninsured)
- are self-employed
The Marketplace is administered at the state level, not by local governments like Fairfax County - so how does Open Enrollment affect DFS?
That’s where Medicaid comes in – many people find that they likely qualify for Medicaid when starting to enroll in a plan through the Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace will direct the application of anyone who is potentially eligible for Medicaid to the local social services office (that’s us!) for processing. Likewise, if someone applies for Medicaid but is not eligible, the application is shared with the Marketplace to find a suitable, affordable insurance plan.
The Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division in DFS processes Medicaid applications, as well as other benefits like food, energy, financial, and childcare assistance. PAES typically experiences an increase in Medicaid applications during Open Enrollment, due to applications being redirected from the Insurance Marketplace.
People may also discover that they’re eligible for other benefits in addition to Medicaid – further increasing the number of applications coming to PAES. Depending on the situation and eligibility factors, individuals and families may also qualify for SNAP (food assistance), Energy Assistance (heating and cooling), TANF (financial assistance for families), Child Care Assistance, and certain other programs.
At the end of the day, we work towards everyone having access to affordable health care to build thriving families and communities. To keep learning about health care coverage options, check out the following resources:
- Open Enrollment through the Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace
- Medicaid
- CommonHelp – how to apply online for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Energy Assistance, and more
Not eligible for Medicaid or Marketplace plans? Learn about other free or low-cost healthcare in Fairfax County.
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