Washington State: @WAPlanFinder announces 200K enrollees to date; reminds residents to #GetCovered!

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Over 200,000 have signed up for health coverage; Get covered by December 15 on Washington Healthplanfinder

• Beat the rush by signing up today on Get Covered Day #GetCovered2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- As sign ups continue to increase, Washington Healthplanfinder reminds individuals today, Get Covered Day, to visit WA HealthPlan Finder to secure their health and dental coverage by Dec. 15 to ensure a start date of Jan. 1, 2021.

As of Dec. 10, over 200,000 Washingtonians have signed up for 2021 coverage, 5% more than last year at this time, and one person every 17 seconds. Among the 20,000 new customers, over 40% have selected a new Cascade Care plan. These new plans offer deductibles that are on average $1,000 less than other plans, and cover more services prior to meeting a deductible, including primary care visits, mental health services, and generic drugs.

That's over 8,000 people enrolling Washington State's new quasi-Public Option plans. It's worth noting that while Cascade Care premiums don't appear to be all that different from other policies, they have lower deductibles and cover more zero-cost services, which is kind of interesting.

“As COVID-19 infection rates rise throughout our state, it is important not to leave this decision to the last minute or choose to forego health coverage,” said Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “People should contact the Customer Support Center sooner than later if they have questions related to coverage.” Customers may also contact a navigator or broker for assistance by using the WaPlanfinder Mobile App or visit WAhealthplanfinder.org to find one in your community.

This year’s coverage reminder is part of Washington Healthplanfinder involvement with Get Covered 2021, a national effort to promote COVID-19 safety and health insurance enrollment. The Get Covered 2021 campaign recognizes that responding effectively to COVID-19 and getting everyone insured are critical to advancing health equity and addressing the disparities in healthcare.

“We thank Governor Inslee for his Get Covered Day proclamation,” added MacEwan. “The Exchange appreciates the partnership and commitment to getting all Washingtonians, who are eligible for coverage today, covered during open enrollment.”

For those seeking coverage starting January 1, customers need to enroll in a plan by Dec. 15. New plans are available for customers, including Cascade Care plans, so customers are encouraged to shop and compare plans before making a selection. Those who enroll after that deadline and before January 15 will have a coverage start date of Feb. 1.

Washington Healthplanfinder offers a wide range of resources to help people navigate their coverage options – including in-person enrollment centers, virtual video or phone assistance, and the WAPlanfinder Mobile App. Anyone requiring help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and help with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

During the 2021 open enrollment period, the Customer Support Center is open 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Additionally, extended hours scheduled:

December

• Saturday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 13, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, December 14, 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 24, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 31, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

January

• Saturday, January 9, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, January 14, 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
• Friday, January 15, 7:30 a.m. – 11: 59 p.m.

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).

About Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The next qualified health and dental plans open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder from Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021.

About Washington Apple Health

In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, more people have access to preventive care, such as cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority: www.hca.wa.gov.