Washington Healthplanfinder Increases Outreach to Individuals Losing Health Insurance Coverage

WASHINGTON, May 16 -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following news release:

Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is adding to its current outreach efforts to ensure that individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income, or experienced another qualifying event visit WAHealthplanfinder.org or use the WAPlanfinder Mobile App to sign up online.

"We expect the number of Washingtonians needing coverage to continue to grow over the summer," said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. "Anyone who is no longer receiving health coverage through their job is encouraged to review their options on Washington Healthplanfinder."

Washington Healthplanfinder is the only place where residents can access federal subsidies that help lower the cost of their coverage. Over 60 percent of current customers receive federal assistance, which is available for individuals making up to $51,000 a year ($105,000 annually for a family of four). Washington Apple Health coverage is available year-round for those who qualify.

"We are pleased that so many people responded to our outreach campaign and got coverage during the recent special enrollment period," said Exchange Chief Marketing Officer Michael Marchand. "Over the past two months the number of people signing up has doubled compared to the same time period last year."

During the uninsured special enrollment period that occurred March 10 - May 8, the Exchange saw 22,000 customers sign up for coverage. This includes 7,000 uninsured Washington residents who came in through the COVID-19 special enrollment period.

Qualifying life events that may open a special enrollment period include:

* Loss of coverage (including employer coverage, COBRA, or other types of minimum essential coverage)

* A change in income that makes someone newly eligible for the federal subsidies (including people currently receiving coverage off-Exchange)

* Marriage, birth of a child, or move within the state

* 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.

Individuals who need help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact 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. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and help with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.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. Washington Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority: www.hca.wa.gov.