Shop For Medical, Dental Insurance On WA Exchange

By Washington HealthPlanFinder

Washingtonians seeking health coverage can shop for more options this year along with financial assistance by visiting Washington Healthplanfinder to sign up for health and dental coverage.

New for 2021 will be Cascade Care offerings that enable consumers to shop, choose and save from more options in all counties.

“As more Washingtonians are impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, having health coverage is crucial during these difficult times,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer, Pam MacEwan. “We encourage all Washingtonians who are seeking health coverage to shop Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment and find plans for how they’re living.”

New this year, Cascade Care plans offer high value, standard benefits. Cascade Care is expanding access, choice, and value for Washingtonians at a time when they need it most.

These plans offer deductibles that are on average $1,000 less than other plans, and cover more services prior to meeting a deductible, including primary care visits, mental health services, and generic drugs.

Most customers will see that average premium costs and deductibles of Exchange plans are lower than previous years, including eight counties where a Cascade Care plans – either Cascade or Cascade Select – is the lowest-cost silver plan.

“With new plans available, we encourage customers to shop around for the best health plan that fits their needs,” adds MacEwan. “For example, many renewing customers can switch to the lowest-cost plan in their same metal tier and save money, and many customers can save more than $50 a month by shopping.”

For those seeking coverage starting Jan. 1, customers need to enroll in a plan by Dec. 15. Those who enroll after that deadline and before Jan. 15 will have a coverage start date of Feb. 1.

Washington Healthplanfinder offers a wide range of resources to help people navigate their coverage options – including in-person enrollment centers, virtual video or phone assistance, and the WAPlanfinder Mobile App.

Anyone requiring help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and help with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting www.wahealthplanfinder.org/.

Before starting the application process, customers will need to gather the following:

• Legal names of all household members
• Birthdates for household members
• Home and mailing address
• Social Security Number or immigration documents (Families which include  unlawfully present immigrants may still apply)
• Income information (recent pay stubs, tax return, or W-2)
• Tax filing status
• Current health plan information
• Tribal membership (if enrolled in a federally recognized tribe)

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