Know someone who needs health coverage or wants to switch their plan? It’s Open Enrollment season for Washington State residents seeking individual coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official insurance marketplace, or Medicare.

Washington Healthplanfinder Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2020 – Jan. 15, 2021. During this time, people can sign up or renew individual insurance coverage through the state’s insurance marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. Those meeting certain income guidelines may qualify for free or lower-cost coverage.

Apply by December 15th for coverage starting January 1st.

New this year:

• Healthplanfinder will include new Cascade Program plans, including Cascade Care plans (with benefits designed by the state to cover more care before the deductible) and Cascade Select plans (Cascade Care plans that are procured by the state) 
• Participation from 3 new health insurers, Community Health Network of Washington, Regence and UnitedHealthcare

People can get help with Healthplanfinder Open Enrollment from a certified Navigator. To keep everyone safe during COVID-19, Healthplanfinder and Navigators will supplement socially-distanced in-person events with virtual enrollment events, phone, and online video. 

Some immigrants may have questions about whether they can use Washington Healthplanfinder to sign up for individual market coverage or Apple Health (Medicaid) now that federal “public charge” rules are in effect. Learn more about coverage options for immigrants here and get information specific to Healthplanfinder here. 

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15, 2020 – Dec. 7, 2020.

During this time, people on Medicare can: 

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan and vice versa
• Drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan

People can get help with Medicare Open Enrollment from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program. To keep everyone safe during COVID-19, SHIBA will provide help by phone or online video. Want more background information? Explore NoHLA’s resources about health coverage options and individual market coverage for Washington State residents.

–Emily Brice, NoHLA Senior Attorney & Policy Advisor