Find a flyer with basic information about open enrollment here.

The open enrollment period to buy an individual or family health plan for 2018 is closed. The 2019 open enrollment period will take place between November 1, 2018 through December 15, 2018. Coverage will take effect on January 1, 2019.

Washington state continues to be a leader nationwide in expanding access for Washingtonians to high quality, comprehensive health insurance. Folks in the Pacific Northwest can now shop for coverage options that best fit you and your family’s needs and budget. Under the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans also have access to many preventive services like cancer screenings and checkups, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Last year, more than 209,000 residents used the Washington Healthplanfinder to enroll in a 2018 Qualified Health Plan. Since it first opened in 2013, the Washington Healthplanfinder has connected almost 1.8 million Washingtonians to coverage—and this year should be no different.

Am I eligible for health care through the Affordable Care Act?

Open enrollment applies to you if you buy your own health insurance coverage. To see if you are eligible for financial assistance and to check out the health plans available, visit the Washington Healthplanfinder.

What should I do to get ready for open enrollment?

• If you purchased health coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder last year, you should have received a letter from the Healthplanfinder notifying you about your new premium and updated financial assistance eligibility. Your current insurer should have also notified you about any changes to your health plan for next year.
   
• Even if you are eligible for automatic renewal of your plan and anticipate using this option, you should still plan to log into your Washington Healthplanfinder account starting November 1 to do several things: shop for and compare available options; make sure your tax information is correct; and carefully review the details of your health plan and premium tax credit.

• Even if your income and health plan have not changed this year, your subsidy may have changed, due to new premium rates. More information can be found through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Additional information on health insurance premiums is also available through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
   
• If you didn’t buy health coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder last year, you can still start this year. Check out your available plan options and confirm your eligibility for financial assistance at https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found Washington Health Benefit Exchange and below.

• I do not have health insurance
• I have health insurance through my employer
• I buy my own coverage
• I am a small business owner
• I am enrolled in or will soon be eligible for Medicare
• I am enrolled in or might be eligible for Medicaid (Washington Apple Health)
• I am enrolled in TRICARE
• I am a military veteran and receive care through the VA
• I am receiving care through the Indian Health Services (IHS)

Have more questions?

Call the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633) to speak with a trained representative.

Support is available:

• 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
• 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Saturday

If you would like to find someone to help you through the enrollment process, visit https://www.wahbexchange.org/how-enroll/customer-support-network/. You can find a registered broker who can recommend what plan might be best for you, or a trained, certified navigator to help you enroll in coverage.

If you or a family member needs help connecting with the right resources, please call my offices in Everett or Bellingham. Visit my contact page for more information.

I do not have health insurance

You may be eligible for financial assistance that will reduce the cost of coverage. For more information on available health plans and to find out if you are eligible for a subsidy, visit https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html.

The open enrollment period to buy an individual or family health plan for 2018 is closed. The 2019 open enrollment period will take place between November 1, 2018 through December 15, 2018. Coverage will take effect on January 1, 2019. 

Some changes in life circumstances allow you to sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment, also known as a Special Enrollment Period. Visit https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html to learn more. Please note that enrollment in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is available year-round.

You can also speak to a trained representative about the options available to you by calling the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633).

I have health insurance through my employer

If you have questions about your health coverage, contact your Human Resources office. For further information about other health insurance options, call the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center (1-855-923-4633) or visit https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html.

I buy my own coverage

See more information under the “What should I do to get ready for open enrollment?” section. If you don’t buy your coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder, the process will be the same one you followed last year.

I am a small business owner

Beginning in 2018, small business health coverage is no longer available through Washington Healthplanfinder. While no future small business plans are being offered, existing Washington Healthplanfinder coverage can still be accessed and updated.

I am enrolled in or will soon be eligible for Medicare

Medicare beneficiaries do not need to visit the exchange and can continue to correspond directly with Medicare or their Medicare Advantage insurer. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15, 2018 through December 7, 2018. For more information visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

I am enrolled in or might be eligible for Medicaid (Washington Apple Health)

Washington Apple Health and Washington Apple Health for Kids (the state’s Children's Health Insurance Program) has expanded eligibility and enrollment is available year-round. To find out if you are eligible or to enroll, visit https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html or call the Washington State Health Care Authority Medicaid Eligibility Determination Services at 1-800-562-3022.

I am enrolled in TRICARE

The Affordable Care Act has no direct effect on TRICARE. Most TRICARE coverage meets the minimum essential coverage requirement of the law, but you can check your coverage here.

I am a military veteran and receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Affordable Care Act has no direct effect on the VA health system. If you have questions about your benefits, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits.

I am receiving care through the Indian Health Services (IHS)

Depending on your eligibility you can enroll in coverage through Medicaid or a qualified health plan through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange or continue receiving health services through the IHS. For more information, visit https://www.ihs.gov/ACA/.