Tag Archives: Healthcare Exchange

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WA Health Benefit Exchange

Healthcare Special Enrollment Period

Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) will open a special enrollment period starting Feb. 15 for Washingtonians. This aligns with President Biden’s executive order to re-open the federal health insurance marketplace, giving additional time to Americans still seeking health coverage during the pandemic.

The special enrollment will run for 90 days, ending May 15, 2021. During this time those currently uninsured, seeking coverage, or enrolled in off-Exchange health insurance (such as health sharing ministries, short-term limited duration plans or COBRA) can enroll. Current Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees will not be eligible for this special enrollment.

“The Washington Health Benefit Exchange will be following the Federal Exchange special enrollment period,” said Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “We want to be sure we provide every opportunity for Washingtonians to enroll in health care coverage during the global pandemic.” 

Customers seeking coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder must contact an Exchange certified Broker, Navigator, enrollment center or 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 to initiate coverage. Free help from local experts is accessible by visiting: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.html

Individuals who qualify will have 60 days to select a plan. Those who select coverage by the 15th of the month will begin receiving coverage the first of the following month. Coverage available includes Cascade Care plans, which offer deductibles that are on average $1,000 less than other plans, and cover more services prior to meeting a deductible, including primary care visits, mental health services, and generic drugs.

Enrollment is offered year-round for individuals and families who qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).

Reminder: Workers’ compensation benefits are NOT taxable income and should not be included in your household income figure when applying for health care coverage through the Exchange.

Prior Posts on Related Topics

Healthcare

Health Insurance – Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1st

It’s Time to Shop for Health Insurance! 

2018 Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15, 2017 in Washington State

  • Plans sold during Open Enrollment start as early as January 1, 2018.
  • After January 15, you can enroll in 2018 health insurance only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you already have insurance, take a look at the policies now available before you renew – you may be able to save money or improve your coverage by transferring to a new policy through the exchange. In order to take advantage of subsidies and tax credits, do your shopping through Washington State’s healthcare marketplace. For those that live outside of Washington, your state may have its own healthcare marketplace. If not, or if you’re unsure, start with the federal government’s marketplace site.

2017 coverage –

Are you in need of health insurance for the remainder of 2017? Open Enrollment for 2017 health coverage ended January 31, 2017. You can still get 2017 health insurance two ways:

Don’t Over-Report Your Income!

The amount you pay for health insurance is based on your household size and income. Workers’ compensation benefits—both time loss and pension – are NOT taxable income. Do not include your time loss or pension payments in your household income figure when applying for health insurance through the exchange or through a Navigator. Veteran’s payments are also excluded from your gross income figure. 

The Affordable Care Act is Working! 

NY Times Analysis: The Impact of Obamacare, in Four Maps

Since 2013, when the major provisions of Obamacare went into effect, the uninsured rate has fallen in every state. And some states that you might not expect have led the way.

The news about the Affordable Care Act has been grim lately: The price of health plans in new marketplaces is up, and choice is declining in many places. But amid the difficulties, new data highlight the law’s effectiveness in getting coverage for millions of Americans.

Over all, the gains are substantial: a seven-percentage-point drop in the uninsured rate for adults.

Read the full article, published in October 2016, for more details including coverage maps.

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