OLYMPIA, Wash. – Finding the right health care coverage for you and your family is easier with the help of an expert to guide the way. That’s why during this year’s open enrollment period, Washington Healthplanfinder guides will be on the road to help Washingtonians navigate their health insurance options. The Washington Healthplanfinder Adventure Tour will make 10 stops in communities across the state. At each “base camp” location, certified assisters will be on hand to provide expert advice on health care coverage and help people sign up for a plan that meets their needs and budget.
“Many of our new and existing customers rely on help navigating the health insurance market, especially during open enrollment,” says Michael Marchand, Chief Marketing Officer of Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange). “Our expert guides will make this easier for you, and because of new savings from the American Rescue Plan Act, there has never been a better time to sign up for coverage.”
The American Rescue Plan Act increased federal savings for most Washington Healthplanfinder customers. According to the latest enrollment report from the Exchange, two thirds of customers statewide are eligible for subsidized coverage. The average subsidy amount, which is determined by household income and other factors, is $400 per month, and nearly half of all Washington Healthplanfinder customers pay less than $100 per month for coverage.
The Washington Healthplanfinder Adventure Tour will seek to reach uninsured Washingtonians and those who may be able to take advantage of additional savings. Many of the Adventure Tour stops will happen alongside local events with food and fun to be had.
Washington Healthplanfinder Adventure Tour events will be held at the following locations:
City
Date
Time
Location
Moses Lake
Dec. 3
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Moses Lake Street Party
Sinkiuse Square on Third Ave
Walla Walla
Dec. 4
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Farmer’s Market and Holiday Parade
106 W Main Street
Bellingham
Dec. 7
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Shine Bright Downtown Bellingham
Exact Location TBD
Tri-Cities
TBD
TBD
Columbia Center Mall
1321 N Columbia Center Blvd, Kennewick, WA
Vancouver
Dec. 10
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Vancouver Mall Outdoor Courtyard
8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr.
Wenatchee
Dec. 11
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Pybus Public Market
7 N Worthen Street
Olympia
Dec. 17
3:30 - 9:00 pm
Oly on Ice
529 4th Ave. W
Seattle
Dec. 18
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Children’s Home Society in Kent
215 5th Ave. S, Kent, WA
Yakima
Dec. 19
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Los Hernandez Tamales
3706 Main St., Union Gap, WA
Spokane
Jan. 7
1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Spokane First Friday
1318 W 1st Ave.
For more information on the Washington Healthplanfinder, visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us/en/tour.html.
In addition to the Adventure Tour events, you can get in-person help from an assister in your area at other local events or by visiting www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us/en/support/connect-with-us/virtual-help-details.html.
Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.
About Washington Healthplanfinder
Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder is currently open through Jan. 15, 2022. Enrollment reports and data are available from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
About Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act launched in October 2013, more people have access to preventive care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority: www.hca.wa.gov