Deadline to enroll in health plan is fast approaching

Dec. 18--The deadline to enroll in a health plan for coverage beginning Jan. 1 is quickly approaching.

State officials are reminding everyone who wants health and dental coverage that begins at the New Year to select a plan on Washington Healthplanfinder by 11:59 p.m. Friday.

"Individuals and families who have not yet signed up for health and dental plans should not delay securing coverage that begins on Jan. 1," Pam MacEwan, exchange CEO, said in a news release. "We anticipate traffic to Washington Healthplanfinder and our Customer Support Network to continue increasing as the Dec. 23 deadline approaches. Residents should act now to avoid any gaps in coverage."

Recently, Washington Healthplanfinder, www.waplanfinder.org, has experienced high volumes of traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so exchange officials are urging people to take advantage of supplemental resources to ensure their applications are received before Friday.

The exchange Customer Support Center, 855-923-4633 (855-WAFINDER), is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and is also offering extended hours of operation for over-the-phone assistance. The extended hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday.

Local residents can also visit one of the state's enrollment centers located in Vancouver for free assistance.

The Vancouver enrollment center is operated by Applied Team Insurance, an independent insurance agency. The office, 7720 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 110, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Evening and weekend appointments are also available by calling 360-726-6092 or emailing [email protected].

The center is staffed with navigators and brokers who can guide customers through the available coverage options -- including individual health plans and Apple Health (Medicaid) -- enroll in plans, answer questions and help customers determine if they qualify for financial assistance. Computer stations are also available for use by appointment and walk-in customers.

Residents can also locate a local navigator or broker by clicking on the "customer support" link on the exchange website, www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

Those who miss the Friday deadline still have time to purchase coverage. This year's open enrollment ends Jan. 31 for coverage beginning March 1.

The deadline does not apply to those with Medicaid, for whom enrollment is open year-round.

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