Washington State: WA exchange reminds enrollees to pay up, confirms 210,000 QHPs thru 12/19

This just in via the Washington HealthPlanFinder:

Washington Healthplanfinder Reminds Customers to Make First Premium Payment

• Payment options available online and by phone or mail through insurance companies.

Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is reminding customers who selected a plan during 2020 open enrollment to make the first month’s premium payment to their health insurance company.

“It is critical that customers make their first premium payment associated with their 2020 health insurance coverage,” said Pam MacEwan, chief executive officer at the Exchange. “This simple action will prevent unintended loss of health coverage or delays in accessing care in the new year.”

Information on submitting a premium payment is available by clicking “Make Your Payment” on Washington Healthplanfinder or the WAPlanfinder app. Payment options often include paying online, by phone, or by mail. Contact your health or dental insurance company if you have questions about billing, payment deadlines, or grace periods.

As of Dec. 19, more than 210,000 enrollees have completed their 2020 health plan selection through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Last year Washington State enrolled just under 221,000 people during Open Enrollment, so they still have ten days to add another 11,000 people to beat that.

Additional time has been provided for those still seeking health and dental coverage for 2020.  Customers still needing to enroll must do so by Dec. 30. for coverage starting Feb. 1.

Available resources for enrollment

• Online – Washington Healthplanfinder
• Mobile – WAPlanfinder app
• In-person assistance at enrollment centers or through brokers and navigators
• By phone: Exchange Customer Support Center 1-855-923-4633 | TTY: 1-855-627-9604

Customer Support Center Hours

• Monday – Friday, Dec. 16 – 307:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 247:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 25Closed

Visit the Exchange for a complete step-by-step list of the application process from start to finish or a downloadable checklist.

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

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.

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 launched in October 2013, more people have access to preventive care, like 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