Health plan enrollment deadline nears

Open enrollment for state health plans is in the final stretch.

Anyone who wants to purchase medical or dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder has until 11:59 p.m. Monday to get enrolled and pay their first month’s premium.

Those who miss the deadline, with a few exceptions, won’t be able to enroll in a plan until the next open enrollment period this fall.

More than 233,000 Washington residents have already secured coverage through the state-based exchange. That’s a 17 percent increase over the same period last year, according to the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, which operates Washington Healthplanfinder.

Last year, 11,504 Clark County residents purchased individual health plans during open enrollment. This year, Clark County residents can choose from 14 health plans offered by three insurers — Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, Lifewise Health Plan of Washington and Molina Healthcare of Washington.

Those who sign up for a plan by the deadline will have coverage beginning Feb. 1.

Resources

Those who need help enrolling in a plan have several resources:

• Enrollment center: The Warshauer Agency, 609 Main St., Suite 100, Vancouver. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 360-213-0957. www.yourhealthplanfinder.com.
• Customer Support Center: Open 7:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. 855-923-4633. High call volumes are expected.
• Smart Planfinder: An online tool to help customers compare and select plans. www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

The open enrollment period does not apply to Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients, who can enroll or renew coverage throughout the year.