The signup period has begun for Washington health plans.
If you are already signed up to a specific plan, you will be automatically renewed, but it is a good idea to check out the benefits and costs of the new version.
You can get assistance in several ways including finding a broker in your area that is listed on the website of the state health exchange..
Broker program manager Kris Lattimore says talking to a broker can also help with specific decisions in finding a plan tailored to your needs. For example, a silver plan may have a higher premium than a bronze plan, but the benefits are also substantially more because of cost shares.
“It’s funny when you look at those plans, the premium may be more than a bronze plan, but that bronze plan may have a $7,000 deductible, and because you qualify for the cost share reduction, you purchase a silver plan that has a higher monthly premium, but that deductible can be reduced significantly to like $700.”
Lattimore says a broker can also come in handy in rural locations of the state where there are fewer plan options.
“If you get into the rural counties, like Stevens or Okanagan or Lincoln counties, there are fewer choices in those rural areas, so it’s really important to find expert advice or even pick up the phone and call someone, because they can help you make a choice to fit your needs,” he said.
You can sign up and browse plans at the website wahealthplanfinder.org. In Spokane there is also an enrollment center at 1209 West First. Toll free phone assistance is also available at 1-855-923-4633.
The sign up period starts Friday November 1 and runs through December 15 for plans starting January 1.
