Health insurance enrollment deadline extended through Dec. 30

Dec. 18--The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act has been extended through the end of December, according to Washington Health Plan Finder, which operates the state's online exchange.

Originally the open enrollment period was to have closed Dec. 15, but states have the option to extend the deadline. The new deadline is 8 p.m. Dec. 30 to secure coverage that would start Feb. 1 through Washington Healthplanfinder.

As a result, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services will be open until 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays to help those who need assistance. Appointments can be made by calling 509-853-2377 or stopping by the Hinman Building, 610 E. Yakima Ave., or Neighborhood Health Sunnyside, 617 Scoon Road, according to a news release.

The state's toll-free customer support center (1-855-923-4633) is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday -- except holidays -- through Dec. 30.

Tax credits are available to offset premiums for those who qualify. Enrollment in Apple Health (Medicaid) is year-round.

As of Dec. 15, more than 209,000 people completed their 2020 health plan selection through Washington Healthplanfinder, including more than 36,000 new enrollees.

For more information, call Sandra Velasquez, HealthPlanFinder project coordinator at YNHS, at 509-853-2377.

___

(c)2019 Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Wash.)

Visit Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Wash.) at www.yakima-herald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.