Despite the federal government shutdown, open enrollment in our state’s health insurance exchange officially got underway this morning. Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage.
“Healthplanfinder will open the doors of health care coverage to countless Washingtonians for the very first time,” said Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle), Chair of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. “By eliminating the fine print and making health care easier to understand, we will help families make the best choices based on their unique situation.”
Unlike other websites that sell one company’s specific health insurance plan, Healthplanfinder is a central location where multiple health insurance companies compete for your business.
Depending on how much you earn, you can get access to financial help that lowers the cost of your premiums and copays.
The Healthplanfinder allows you to make side-by-side comparisons of multiple health insurance plans, so you can choose the right plan based on cost, coverage, convenience or any number of factors.
To learn more about the health care exchange, click here or call WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633).
In addition to open enrollment, Medicaid eligibility is also changing. For the first time, coverage for adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible for enrollment.
It will also be much easier to enroll in the Medicaid program through Washington Healthplanfinder. What used to take 45 days should now take about 45 minutes.
“This is great news for young people and working families,” said Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), Vice Chair of the Health Care and Wellness Committee. “If you don’t have health coverage, check out the Healthplanfinder – and if you’re paying too much, see if your family could save money. You may even be eligible for free coverage.”
Applicants can also apply by phone, in person, or by mail. You can learn more about Medicaid eligibility by clicking here.