Deadlines are fast approaching for people who lost their health insurance due to layoffs, reduced hours, or a change in income during the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of low or no-cost health care options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers in these situations must sign up for health insurance within 60 days, which is coming soon for people who were impacted in the early weeks of the COVID-19 response.

“Ensuring Michiganders have access to health care coverage is critical as we continue our ongoing response to COVID-19,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Resources are available for Michiganders who have been financially impacted during this crisis, and I encourage them to explore these options for their health and the health of their families.”

Michigan has been battling COVID-19 since its first cases were identified in early March, and layoffs have been announced by impacted businesses throughout the following months. Consumers have 60 days after losing health coverage as a result of a job loss or a change in income, to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period to either temporarily continue their employer-provided coverage under COBRA or purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers may wish to look into the Health Insurance Marketplace, as the Marketplace options may be less expensive than COBRA.

“Michiganders should not delay in enrolling if they lose employer-based health insurance during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is available to assist if residents have questions about coverage or enrolling in health insurance.”

To determine eligibility, consumers should visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers should contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 if they need assistance.

Act now and apply

• When a consumer loses essential health coverage, they may be eligible to enroll in an individual health plan during a Special Enrollment Period.
• If consumers are new to www.healthcare.gov, they can create an account. If they already have one, they may log in to start or update an application.

Enrollment help is available

• DIFS can help. The Michigan Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program can provide shopping tips and help answer questions about health insurance or Special Enrollment Periods.
• Contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 or email at [email protected].
• Resources to get started:
  • Understanding your Health Coverage.
  • Special Enrollment Period.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Contact: Tracy Wimmer 517-281-1876

Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.

“While the offices were closed to the public we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:

• Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
• Title transfers
• Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
• Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal

Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times. A copy of the department’s reopening preparedness plan can be found here.

Anyone scheduling an appointment or receiving an appointment reminder will also be instructed on how to safely attend their appointment by:

• Arriving at the appointment alone
• Wearing a mask or homemade face covering over their mouth and nose
• Waiting in their vehicle or outside prior to the appointment time and maintaining six feet of distance when announcing themselves and their appointment to staff at the doors
• Following directions on where to stand during the transaction — only stepping forward toward the clerk when providing or retrieving documents
• Cancelling their appointment if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 within 14 days of the appointment
• Adhering to CDC guidelines when in public

In addition to preparing to reopen branches, the Michigan Department of State began sending updated renewal forms this week, color-coded based on the type of transaction needed and with streamlined information to explain how best to conduct the transaction. Renewal forms, which will be mailed in redesigned envelopes measuring 9.5 inches by 6 inches, come in six colors:

• Red: Vehicle registration
• Blue: Driver’s license
• Green: State identification card
• Teal: Watercraft
• Gray: Snowmobile
• Purple: Special plate

Instructions are provided at the bottom of each form to direct customers on options for renewing their credential, providing information on whether they can complete their transaction online, at a self-service station or by mail, or if they will need to schedule an appointment at a branch office.

A sample of the updated renewal forms can be found here. To schedule an appointment visit Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS-MICH. Advance appointments can be made up to 180 days ahead of time. Same-day appointments become available 24 hours prior to the appointment time.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.