Washington State: @WAPlanFinder announces 205K enrollees to date; reminds residents to #GetCovered!

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Washington Healthplanfinder Urges Customers to Act Now for Jan. 1 Health Coverage

• People need to enroll in their desired 2021 health plan by midnight, Tuesday Dec. 15

Washington Healthplanfinder is urging individuals needing 2021 health and dental coverage beginning Jan. 1 that they have less than 36 hours to take action and sign up. Customers wanting coverage that starts Jan.1 must select a plan through Washington Healthplanfinder by 11:59 p.m. this Tuesday, Dec. 15.

“For those who have left this decision to the last minute, now is the time to sign up for 2021 health and dental coverage,” said the Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “There are plenty of resources available to help people understand their options and secure health insurance coverage.”

The Exchange’s Customer Support Center is offering extended hours leading up to the Dec. 15 deadline. Customers with questions should contact the Customer Support Center or reach out to a navigator or broker for assistance. Customers who need to renew their plan for 2021 can sign in to their Washington Healthplanfinder account using the WaPlanfinder Mobile App or on WAHealthplanfinder.org and easily update and renew their coverage. Additionally, some customers may find that they qualify for free or low-cost coverage.

For those seeking coverage starting Jan. 1, 2021, customers need to enroll in a plan by Dec. 15. Those who enroll after that deadline and before Jan. 15, 2021 will have a coverage start date of Feb. 1, 2021.

The Exchange has seen a busy sign up period this open enrollment. As of Dec. 14, over 205,000 Washingtonians have signed up for 2021 coverage, including over 24,000 new customers. Overall plan selection has increased about 4% from last fall at this time, and one person every 17 seconds. Among new customers, 41% have selected a Cascade Care plan. These 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.

If you would like to meet with a navigator or broker, you can find one in your community by using the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting WAHealthplanfinder.org. You can also contact Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center for assistance at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. To schedule an appointment online with an Enrollment Center, visit WAHealthplanfinder.org and select ‘Get Virtual Help’.

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

• 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 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.