With the deadline coming up quickly — Thursday — to purchase a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox is urging residents who need coverage for 2026 to act now.

“Comprehensive, high-quality health insurance leads to better health outcomes, and time is running out for consumers to take advantage of free, local assistance to get the coverage they need through the Health Insurance Marketplace,” Fox said in a news release. “The biggest mistake you could make is to wait and miss the deadline on January 15, as you may not have another chance to enroll in or change your health plan until next year.”

DIFS has created a video to help consumers learn about health insurance and signing up for a health plan. This video and more resources to help answer Michiganders’ open enrollment questions can be found at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

The open enrollment deadline of Jan. 15 is for coverage that begins Feb. 1. Consumers can select from available plans by going to the Health Insurance Marketplace, https://www.healthcare.gov/, or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

Free local enrollment help is available by going to LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. For more information about health insurance, go to Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries.

In addition, the department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the department on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.