King County hosting free enrollment events every day
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is reminding King County residents that only a few days remain to sign up for a Qualified Health Plan through wahealthplanfinder.org. Residents have until midnight on Sunday, Jan. 31 to select a 2016 health plan that meets their needs and budgets.
Individuals and families should be aware that tax penalties for not having health insurance have increased in 2016. Adults who remain without health coverage now face individual penalties of at least $695, and families could be asked to pay upwards of $2,000.
Public Health—Seattle & King County will be hosting free enrollment events to assist individuals and families who have not yet signed up for health insurance. Navigators and brokers can help residents review their health plan options and determine their eligibility for financial help that may reduce the cost of coverage. Find an event near you at the Public Health website.
“Our customer support network is ready to assist all residents who have not yet signed up for a 2016 health plan,” said Michael Marchand, Director of Communications and Outreach for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “As this deadline approaches, it’s more important than ever to reach out to customers without coverage and educate them about signing up.”
Other ways to get help with enrollment include:
· King County’s telephone hotline: 1-800-756-5437 (weekdays from 8am-1pm and 2pm-5pm)
· Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support link on wahealthplanfinder.org.
· Healthplanfinder’s toll-free Customer Support Center: 1-855-923-4633 (weekdays from 7:30 am to 8 pm, and with extended weekend hours from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Jan. 30 and 10 am to midnight this Sunday, Jan. 31).
Note: Special weekend hours for in-person assistance at the Metro Seattle Office, on Jan. 30 and 31, from 10am-5pm, at 201 S. Jackson.
All residents needing to sign up for a 2016 Qualified Health Plan may do so by visiting wahealthplanfinder.org.
About Washington Healthplanfinder
Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses 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 current open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder began on Nov. 1, 2015 and extends through Jan. 31, 2016.
About the Washington Health Benefit Exchange
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a public-private partnership established in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) to implement a new health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses. The Exchange is separate from the state and governed by an independent 11-member board. For more information, visit wahealthplanfinder.org.
