Individual Health Plan Enrollment Options
There are different ways you can enroll in an individual health plan based on your state. Visit our website at marketplace.viabenefits.com or call us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed benefit advisor* who can assist you with reviewing your options.
Enrolling Through the Health Insurance Marketplace
There are two different health insurance marketplace types: State-Based Marketplace (SBM) and Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM). Most states use the FFM.
States that use the SBM are responsible for all marketplace functions for the individual health insurance marketplace. If you reside in a state with an SBM, you can apply for and enroll in coverage through websites created and maintained by the state.
For FFM states, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) performs all functions of the marketplace. Eligibility and enrollment functions are completed through healthcare.gov and certified brokers and agents.
Enrolling through any health insurance marketplace allows you to apply for a Premium Tax Credit (PTC) to help reduce the amount of a plan's premium offered through the marketplace.
Enrolling Directly Through and Insurance Carrier
You can enroll in a health plan directly through an insurance carrier (e.g., UnitedHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana), using its self-maintained website. It doesn't matter what state you live in. The availability of insurance carriers depends on where you live.
Enrolling directly through an insurance carrier doesn't give you the opportunity to apply for a PTC. However, if you indicate you would like to apply for one, the carrier's website may direct you to apply through the marketplace. Read How You Can Enroll for more information.
Enrolling Through Via Benefits
Visit our website, marketplace.viabenefits.com, to shop for and enroll in a health plan. You can also call us at 1-866-322-2824 ( TTY: 711) and we will assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs and budget. Refer to How You Can Enroll to determine if you live in a state that has its own state-based marketplace
Note: Via Benefits can't enroll residents of Vermont, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts in plans through the marketplace nor directly through the insurance carrier, due to state licensing restrictions. However, Via Benefits can help you choose a plan from publicly available information on the state's anonymous shop and compare website.
*Our licensed benefit advisors specialize in health insurance for retirees. They go through annual training and certification to ensure they can help you make an informed and confident decision.
