SEATTLE — Evaluating options for health plans can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Nelly Kinsella, associate director of communications for Washington Health Benefit Exchange, and Justin Cusber, sales executive for Premera Blue Cross join New Day Northwest to help you navigate your options and get the help you need.
The deadline for individuals and families to buy their own health insurance closes on Dec. 15th. This is earlier than in past years, so we don't anyone to miss out. There are no exceptions or extensions this year. Dec.15th is a hard deadline. If you miss it, you can only enroll if you have a "qualifying life event" like getting married, having a baby, or getting laid off from a job and losing existing insurance.
You can get information online, or through the WAPlanFinder Mobile App in order to find a plan that fits your needs and your budget, and with determining if you qualify for financial help with your monthly health plan bill. Both include a list of locations where you can get in-person help from a navigator or broker. Free options are available.
You can also call Washington Healthplanfinder’s support center at 855-WAFINDER. They have extended hours till 10 PM Wed-Thurs and open to 11:59 PM on Fri - Sat. There are over 175 translators available to assist if needed.
Health plans like Premera also have help available, especially if you have questions about whether your doctor is in-network or if a prescription drug you’re taking is covered. Have a list of your doctors and prescribed medications ready in order to inform your choices.
If you are already enrolled, you'll want to update and compare plans by Dec.15th. If you don't update your application and enroll by the deadline, you may be automatically enrolled in a 2019 plan.
Check Washington Healthplanfinder's Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
This segment is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. Watch KING 5's New Day Northwest 11:00 weekdays and streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with New Day via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.