Connecting to Coverage, 2024-25 Open Enrollment Under Way
The 2024-25 HealthCare.gov Marketplace Open Enrollment period kicked off November 1, 2024, and runs through January 15, 2025. The first 30 days into Open Enrollment, preliminary statewide data shows total enrollments surpassing 88,000 across Wisconsin. This is approximately 5-10% behind last year’s enrollments for this time, but enrollment remains on track for a strong year compared to recent multi-year trends.
“We are well-positioned as a county and enrollment network to continue to support people in finding and signing up for health care coverage that best serves their needs,” said Justin Rivas, Manager, Milwaukee Enrollment Network, Director of Community Health Initiatives, Milwaukee Health Care Partnership. “We are building off great momentum from the 2023-24 season, with a focus on data-informed strategies that leverage cross-sector collaborations. Community partners are motivated and mobilized.”
Cross-sector partners demonstrated their commitment at a recent Milwaukee Enrollment Network (MKEN) press conference and community learning session to launch the 2024-25 Open Enrollment season. Sponsored by the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MHCP) and Covering Wisconsin and hosted by Outreach Community Health Centers, state and local government leaders spoke to the collective success during last year’s Medicaid Renewal and Redetermination and Open Enrollment periods. They also emphasized the importance of continuing our multi-sector efforts and ensuring consumers can connect to critical resources. Speakers included:
- Governor Tony Evers, State of Wisconsin
- Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Mayor Cavalier Johnson, City of Milwaukee
- County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County
- Julia Harris-Robinson, President and CEO, Outreach Community Health Centers
- Justin Rivas, Manager, Milwaukee Enrollment Network
- Cheryl Isabell, Milwaukee Community Engagement Lead, Covering Wisconsin
The community learning session convened representatives from community-based organizations that serve uninsured or underinsured populations. It offered training on how to connect clients to health insurance coverage support, as well as a deep dive on data, communication and outreach strategies, and important topics like immigration status and health insurance eligibility.
“Milwaukee has achieved an all-time record for getting people covered, in part due to the combined dedicated and diligent work of these partners and the whole community. Let’s keep building on that! We want to make sure that the first conversation folks have about their coverage isn’t when they are hurt or receiving care at a hospital. We are working to ensure partners who interact with people in a variety of settings have the tools to hold these conversations and connect their clients to support,” said Allison Espeseth, Director for Covering Wisconsin, who oversees the Wisconsin health insurance navigator program and co-sponsors MKEN. “We want everyone to know and take advantage of the free and impartial assistance of Covering Wisconsin and other enrollment assisters across Milwaukee County that offer help both during this enrollment period, and really, anytime throughout the year. You don’t need to try to figure this out by yourself.”
Get the Word Out
Consumers can get free help with questions or signing up for coverage through Covering Wisconsin by calling 414-400-9489 or visiting Coveringwi.org. Covering Wisconsin has health insurance navigators who are knowledgeable and available to provide free help with Marketplace or Medicaid coverage in person, over the phone, by chat, or by text. Assistance from benefit counselors at clinics or hospitals or from a health insurance agent or broker is also available.
MKEN is a consortium of nearly 100 organizations supporting the enrollment and re-enrollment of eligible individuals in public or private insurance with a focus on low-income, vulnerable populations. It is co-convened by MHCP and Covering Wisconsin.