Health Insurance Open Enrollment for Individual and Family Health Plans Launches Today at Wahealthplanfinder.org

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (TNSres) -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following news release on Nov. 1, 2023:

Today, Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is launching the annual Washington Healthplanfinder open enrollment period, with an offering of 82 health care plans and 12 dental plans that comply with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. When people shop wahealthplanfinder.org, federal and state subsidies based on income are automatically applied.

"These plans are an affordable source of coverage accessed by more than 200,000 Washingtonians who don't have health insurance through their employer, and who aren't eligible for Medicare or Washington Apple Health, our state's Medicaid program," Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. "This year, people with modest incomes can secure a qualified health plan for $10 or less per month, thanks to enhanced federal subsidies and Cascade Care Savings, our state subsidy program."

Cascade Care Savings reduces the monthly premium for Washington individuals and families who make 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) -- an annual income of $36,450 for a one-person household and $62,150 for a three-person household. These savings are only available to those who qualify and buy a Cascade Care Gold or Silver plan. Cascade Care plans make shopping for health insurance easier by providing the same benefits and cost-sharing across carriers.

New this year, Washington state secured an agreement with the federal government that will enable all state residents, regardless of citizenship status to shop for and purchase plans on wahealthplanfinder.org. This means people don't need U.S. citizenship, or a green card or other immigration papers to get access to needed health insurance. While new customers will not be eligible for federal subsidies, those with modest incomes, will be able to reduce their costs through Cascade Care Savings.

"One out of four of the remaining uninsured in our state are people who are undocumented," Ulrey said. "Expanding access to qualified health plans will be followed by a similar expansion of Washington Apple Health, scheduled to launch in July 2024. Washington is among a handful of states in the nation moving in this direction. Over time, these measures will reduce the rate of uninsurance -- which is not only good for society, but also beneficial for our health care system and the broader economy.

"Everyone needs health insurance to get the care they need to stay healthy and protect themselves from financial ruin in the even of illness or injury. If you are seeking coverage for 2024, visit Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment to shop, compare and enroll," Ulrey continued. "Even those who have chosen to auto-renew their coverage should visit wahealthplanfinder.org to check out all of their options and ensure they're in the best plan for them."

Enroll by Dec. 15 to sign up for a plan with a Jan. 1 start date. Those who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will have a start date of Feb. 1.

Need help enrolling in a health plan for next year?

The Exchange partners with a network of brokers, navigators and enrollment centers across the state. Visit Washington Healthplanfinder's Virtual Help Details page for more information and to find an assister near you.

Customers can also enroll in 2024 coverage online from Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 15, 2024, by visiting wahealthplanfinder.org, or by calling the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633. Washington Healthplanfinder's Customer Support Center will have extended hours during open enrollment. The center will be open and ready to aid customers from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on the weekends and holidays. These hours go into effect Nov. 1, 2023, and end Jan. 31, 2024. The following adjustments were made to the center's schedule; extended hours are subject to change:

* Additional open hours:

- Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

- Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight

- Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

- Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

- Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight

- Closed on the following days:

- Nov. 24-25 - Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day

- Dec. 25 - Christmas Day

- Jan. 1 - New Year's Day

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

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Original text here: https://www.wahbexchange.org/event/health-insurance-open-enrollment-for-individual-and-family-healt/