Health insurance plan enrollment opens today
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 5 months AGO
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | November 1, 2018 3:00 AM
OLYMPIA — The enrollment period for health insurance through Washington insurance exchanges will be shorter by about two weeks. Open enrollment for insurance plans offered through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange starts today and is open through Dec. 15.
Washington residents who use the state’s exchange will have the six weeks to decide on health insurance and dental insurance plans. Coverage would go into effect Jan. 1.
People who want to purchase health insurance through the exchange must buy during the open enrollment period. People who qualify for Medicaid can enroll any time of year. Medicaid customers will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before the month they enrolled.
Customers can buy insurance online through the Washington Health Plan Finder, which has “a more streamlined method for taking action related to their health insurance, including finding financial help,” according to a press release from the exchange. The homepage has been redesigned to make it easier for customers to determine their eligibility for free or low-cost insurance coverage, the press release said.
The website allows people a chance to compare the health plans offered through the exchange in each county. Shoppers can enter their provider preferences, prescription drug requirements, and how much they can pay, and can find assistance in choosing a plan.
Exchange officials work with health care organizations in each county to provide in-person navigators to help people looking for insurance, as well as working with insurance brokers. A list of Grant County locations is available on the website.
Customers also have the option of over-the-phone assistance, available at 855-923-4633. The “customer support center” is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, during the open enrollment period. Those hours will be extended during busy sign-up periods, the press release said.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].
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