OIC: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner celebrates competitive health insurance market ahead of open enrollment period

Madison, Wis. —Beginning November 1, residents in all 72 counties across Wisconsin will have the opportunity to choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market has the second-most insurers in the nation with twelve insurers participating.

For the 2024 plan year, one insurer is expanding their service area and a new insurer is joining the individual market. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here.

Wisconsin’s competitive market has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of residents to access high quality health coverage. The Inflation Reduction Act also extended new cost savings making health insurance coverage on HealthCare.gov more affordable for individuals and families.

“Last year, 89% of Wisconsinites who enrolled in a plan on HealthCare.gov qualified for the extended cost savings,” said Commissioner Houdek. “If you’ve looked for coverage before, look again to find a high quality, affordable plan for you and your family.”

Of those Wisconsinites who qualified for a premium tax credit, the average person saved $563.34 on their monthly premiums last year.

The bipartisan Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP), which Governor Tony Evers fully funded in the 2023-2025 state biennial budget has also helped keep rates low for consumers every year since its implementation. In 2021, rates were 3.4% lower than those in 2020, and 2022 rates were 14.5% lower than they would have been without WIHSP.

For plan year 2023, the weighted average rate increase was 13.7% lower than it would have been without WIHSP. Rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2% for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Overall, rates on the individual health insurance market in Wisconsin will increase by a weighted average of 6.1% for the 2024 plan year.

“Thanks to WIHSP and the extended cost savings, Wisconsin has been able to get more people enrolled in high quality health insurance,” said Commissioner Houdek. “The affordable plans on the individual health insurance market cover immunizations, emergency care, and other necessary medical care that helps keep you healthy.”

Ahead of the 2024 Open Enrollment Period which opens November 1, check out WisCovered.com to learn about your coverage options. WisCovered.com is the result of a public-private partnership created by Governor Evers in 2019 to help make sure every Wisconsinite has access to affordable health insurance. You can also call 2-1-1 to get connected with a navigator or talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker to learn more.