Insurance Options Available for Washingtonians Experiencing Change in Current Income or Employment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 17, 2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. –Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) today is reminding Washingtonians who have seen a change in income to visit Washington Healthplanfinder.org or WAPlanfinder app to see if they could qualify for additional savings on their premiums as well as be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health. 

This reminder is especially important for current customers seeing income changes due to a reduction in work hours during the COVID-19 state of emergency or anyone who has lost employment altogether.

Those who experience a qualifying event (such as loss of income, loss of health insurance coverage, marriage, birth of a child or a move) are eligible to shop for coverage and/or those who qualify for Medicaid through Washington Apple Health is available year round on Washington Healthplanfinder.

“Many in our state are concerned about their health insurance given the current COVID-19 situation,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “We are reminding people seeking help with health coverage due to loss of income to reach out to us as there are options for coverage.”

Additionally, in response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, a special enrollment period is now available through April 8, 2020 to qualified individuals who are uninsured. To request a special enrollment, 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, or a local certified broker or navigator, request the SEP, and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost.

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