Washington Health Benefit Exchange Reminds Individuals Impacted by COVID-19 of the Health Insurance Options Available Now Through Washington Healthplanfinder

WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following news release:

Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is reminding uninsured individuals impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Washington that the special enrollment period is extended through May 8, 2020, for coverage beginning May 1, 2020.

Washingtonians who may qualify for health and dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder using existing special enrollment periods include individuals who:

* Are currently uninsured;

* Have recently lost their job;

* Have lost, or will soon lose, their employer coverage;

* Have experienced a change in income;

* Purchased coverage through a health sharing ministry that has received a cease and desist order from the Washington office of Insurance Commissioner for fraudulent activity; or

* Purchased full price coverage outside the Exchange marketplace, who due to a change in income could now benefit from the federal subsidies available exclusively through Washington Healthplanfinder.

"It is important to ensure that health coverage is available to everyone who needs it during this uncertain time," said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. "I encourage individuals who have lost their health coverage or who are having a harder time affording their coverage to contact our local teams of navigators or brokers who are ready to discuss available coverage options."

Individuals who are currently uninsured can contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker or Enrollment Center to start the special enrollment process. These insurance experts are available by phone and can also answer any questions consumers may have and help them get enrolled. Consumers can find local experts using the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or visiting: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.html

Individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income, or experienced another qualifying event can visit WAHealthplanfinder.org or use the WAPlanfinder Mobile App to sign up online.

Existing Washington Healthplanfinder customers are encouraged to keep their information up to date to see if they qualify for increased financial help. More information for existing customers about how to update their account is available at https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/report-change.html.

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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 on Nov. 1, 2020.

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.