Washington State: @WAPlanFinder announces 215K enrollees to date; reminds residents to #GetCovered by Jan. 15th!

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Record number of Washingtonians secured health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder in 2020

In a year defined by a health crisis, 2020 saw more than two million Washingtonians enrolled in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) and Qualified Health Plans. This is a new record high number of individuals and families obtaining health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, the online portal administered by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange). Over 1 in 4 Washingtonians are using Washington Healthplanfinder to find and enroll in health coverage. Open enrollment for 2021 coverage runs through Jan. 15 of this year with coverage starting Feb. 1.

Approximately two million residents received free or low-cost Apple Health coverage, and the remaining 215,000 enrolled in Qualified Health Plans. This past December saw an average of 1,500 individuals a day enrolled in Apple Health.

During the 2020 Open Enrollment Period, the WA Planfinder enrolled 212,188 people, so they're already 1.3% over that with a week left to go.

“The numbers reflect the need of Washingtonians losing their employer-sponsored health coverage because of the pandemic,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “If you still need health coverage, there is still time to sign up during this open enrollment period.”

Apple Health offers free or low-cost coverage with year-round enrollment on Washington Healthplanfinder. Washingtonians still seeking 2021 health coverage through a Qualified Health Plan have until Jan. 15 to shop on Washington Healthplanfinder for coverage that begins Feb. 1. Some customers may find they qualify for free or low-cost coverage on a Qualified Health Plan with tax credits or through Apple Health.

It's worth noting that this latest press release doesn't even mention the state's new "Cascade Care" plan enrollment (which includes their "Public Option" plans). This wouldn't be particularly noteworthy except that they've made sure to break out that number in prior press releases...or at least for the total number of Cascade Care plans, anyway...

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. Customers 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 available via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting the website.

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:

  • Friday, January 15, 7:30 a.m. – 11: 59 p.m.

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round on Washington Healthplanfinder 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 Healthplanfinderfrom 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.

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