Washington residents who didn’t purchase a health plan before Sunday’s open enrollment deadline may be in luck. Washington Healthplanfinder announced Monday a two-month special enrollment period for people who were unaware of the tax penalty for being uninsured and for those who couldn’t complete the enrollment process due to technical issues.
The special enrollment period runs today through April 17.
“This is the first year that residents may incur a tax penalty for not having health insurance under the Affordable Care Act,” said Richard Onizuka, chief executive officer for the exchange, in a news release. “This special enrollment window will allow these individuals — as well as those who experienced difficulty completing their applications — additional time to get enrolled for 2015 coverage.”
Nearly 160,000 Washington residents enrolled in a health plan during open enrollment, including more than 66,000 new customers, according to the exchange. Final Clark County enrollment data won’t be available until next month, but more than 8,000 local residents had enrolled in plans as of Jan. 31.
Those who have a gap in health coverage greater than three months in 2015 will face a penalty when filing their taxes next year. The penalty is increasing to $325 per adult ($162.50 per child) or 2 percent of the household income, whichever is greater.
Those interested in enrolling in a health plan must request the special enrollment period by 4:59 p.m. April 17 and select a health plan and submit payment by 11:59 p.m. April 17.
People who were unaware of the tax penalty need to complete an online application, www.wahealthplanfinder.org. When prompted to select the type of special enrollment, select “other.” Customers will then be asked to contact the customer support center, 855-923-4633, to complete the special enrollment request.
Existing customers are eligible for the special enrollment if they already started an application but couldn’t complete the enrollment process due to system delays or technical defects with the exchange. Existing customers are also eligible if they couldn’t submit an application because their income couldn’t be verified or they received unclear instructions for 2015 enrollment.
Exchange staff members are contacting the affected existing customers directly. Customers can also call the support center or email customersupport@wahbexchange.org to request special enrollment or report their situation.
Washington residents with qualifying life events, such as getting married or having a baby, should complete their application following the standard special enrollment process.
Those who are not covered and don’t qualify for special enrollment will not be able to enroll in a health plan until the next open enrollment period, Oct. 1 to Dec. 15.
