by Laina G. Stebbins, Michigan Advance
January 30, 2023

A record number of Michiganders enrolled into the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2023, with state leaders on Thursday praising new federal policies that are set to lower health care premiums.

Nearly 322,300 Michigan residents purchased a plan during the most recent enrollment period. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, provisions that take effect this month will cap insulin copays at $35 per month, give all adults on Medicare Part D free access to vaccines like shingles and Tdap, and more.

About 16.3 million people nationally enrolled in the ACA for 2023.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has been nothing short of a game changer in our community,” said former state Sen. Jim Ananich (D-Flint), now president and CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition. “The monthly cap on insulin for Medicare recipients is a lifesaving benefit in communities of color like Flint disproportionately impacted by diabetes.

“Along with providing our seniors with shingles and other critical vaccinations at no cost, this landmark law is taking a major step toward reducing racial inequities in health care in our community and beyond.” 

A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday found that, had it been effect in 2020, the new insulin cap would have saved Medicare-enrolled Michiganders an average of $403 in annual out-of-pocket costs.

Those who missed the deadline but still need insurance for 2023 may qualify for a special enrollment period if they have experienced a qualifying life event.

Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.