FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 28, 2021
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) announced today it will open a special enrollment period that parallels the new federal enrollment period which runs from Feb. 15 through May 15, 2021.
“Having health insurance is critically important in these challenging times of COVID,” said Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “Opening a corresponding special enrollment period in our state gives more uninsured Washingtonians the chance to get needed coverage for 2021.”
The special enrollment period will apply to anyone seeking health insurance coverage. Individuals shopping for coverage during this special enrollment period that select coverage by the 15th of the month will begin receiving coverage the first of the following month.
It is expected that Healthcare.gov, the Federal Exchange, will sponsor extensive national outreach and advertising which will assist in getting the word out to Washingtonians.
Enrollment is offered year-round on Washington Healthplanfinder to individuals and families who qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
Customers seeking coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder need to contact an Exchange certified Broker, Navigator, Enrollment center or by contacting the Customer Support Center between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. Free help from local experts is accessible by visiting: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.html
In the most recent open enrollment period that ended Jan. 15, over 222,000 Washingtonians selected a 2021 health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder. More than 2 million Washingtonians in 2020 used the state’s health insurance marketplace to get coverage.
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 Healthplanfinder begins Nov. 1.
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, 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