All posts tagged Health Benefit Exchange

Enrolling in health insurance for 2015


Open Enrollment is on its way! Starting on Saturday, November 15th, we’ll be able to apply for, renew, or change our health insurance plans through the Washington state Health Benefit Exchange. This year, enrollment runs from November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

  • November 15, 2014. This is your first day to apply for, keep, or change your coverage.
  • December 15, 2014. Enroll by the 15th if you want new coverage that begins on January 1, 2015. If your plan is changing or you want to change plans, enroll by December 15th to avoid a lapse in coverage.
  • December 31, 2014. The day all 2014 Marketplace [also known as Health Benefit Exchange] coverage ends, no matter when you enrolled. Coverage for 2015 plans can start as soon as January 1st.
  • February 15, 2015. The last day you can enroll in 2015 coverage before the end of Open Enrollment.

There will be double the number of plans available for 2015 coverage as there were for 2014 – so make sure to take some time to review the plans to find the best one for you and your family. If you signed up for a 2014 plan through the Exchange, you will most likely be eligible to automatically renew for 2015. However, it’s possible that your plan may be one of the few not available for 2015 – so best to double-check. Regardless of which plan you chose in 2014, you will be able to update your application and shop for new plan options.

If you want coverage from a new plan to start January 1, 2015, be sure to enroll by December 23, 2014, at 4:59pm. Also, keep an eye out for “Open Enrollment Renewal” notices from Washington HealthPlanFinder – this letter will give you more information about 2015 coverage, the renewal process, and any steps you might need to take.

Don’t forget that, if you’re eligible, you can enroll in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) throughout the year. There is no enrollment period for this health coverage. If you are enrolled in Apple Health now, you will receive a notice 60 days before the month you enrolled or renewed your coverage last year.

If you would like any assistance at all during the enrollment period, please reach out to a certified Navigator in your area. You can do a search here. Navigators will assist you at no cost to you, and they are committed to helping you find, compare, and select a health plan that’s best for you and your family.

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by ywcakatie on October 31, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on October 31, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/enrolling-in-health-insurance-for-2015/

Signing up for Health Insurance this Month


You may have heard: March 31st is the last day to purchase health insurance through the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange in 2014.

We’ll still be able to enroll in WA Apple Health (Medicaid) after March 31st or sign up for private insurance through the Exchange if you have a qualifying event like moving to Washington from another state, certain changes in your income, or changes in your family size – like if you get married, divorced, or have a baby.

But for a lot of people, it’s important to get signed up for health insurance this month – so you don’t have to wait until the fall for the open enrollment period to begin again.

The YWCA’s Health Care Access team will be hosting and participating in enrollment events in Seattle and White Center. If you or a family member hasn’t signed up for insurance yet, please visit us at one of these events!

Thurs, March 6 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Tues, March 11 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 13 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 14 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street
Sat, March 15 @ 10-2: Miller Community Center (Urban League), 330 19th Avenue E
Tues, March 18 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 20 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 21 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street
Sat, March 22 @ 10-3: Rainier Community Center (Financial Resource Day), 4600 38th Ave S
Tues, March 25 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 27 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 28 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street

You can also access other enrollment events across King County at the Public Health website.

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by ywcakatie on March 5, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on March 5, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/signing-up-for-health-insurance-this-month/

Join us @ an upcoming Health Insurance Enrollment Event!


Have you been thinking about signing up for health insurance through Washington’s Healthplanfinder? Confused by the process? Have questions about your options?

YWCA Health Care Access offers navigation and enrollment support to King County community members and will be attending upcoming enrollment events to offer our assistance. Join the YWCA at one of the events listed below! We’ll be there to answer your questions and help you walk through the enrollment process.

Tuesday 11/5 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Wednesday 11/6 @ 1-5pm – Renton Public Library – 2531 Rainier Ave. S, Renton

Wednesday 11/6 @ 3-7pm – Valley View Library – 17850 Military Rd. S, SeaTac

Saturday 11/9 @ 10-2pm – Wildrose Tavern – 1021 E. Pike St., Seattle (Also at this event will be mammogram screenings – for more information, contact Ingrid Berkhout at 206.461.4493.)

Tuesday 11/12 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Saturday 11/16 @ 10-12pm – First AME Church (in partnership with AARTH) – 1522 14th Ave., Seattle

Tuesday 11/19 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Saturday 11/23 @ 12-4pm – Valley View Library – 17850 Military Rd. S, SeaTac

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by ywcakatie on November 4, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on November 4, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/join-us-an-upcoming-health-insurance-enrollment-event/

Medicare & the Health Benefit Exchange


With all the changes coming out of the Affordable Care Act and the new Health Benefit Exchanges across the country, it can be difficult to stay informed and up-to-date. What has already changed and what changes are coming later? What does this mean for me? What will it mean for my family?

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner put out some FAQs related to Medicare and the Health Benefit Exchange. (Thanks to the Crisis Clinic for sharing it via their e-newsletter!) I hope the questions and answers below will help you feel more informed. If so, pass on the information to people in your life who would benefit from it!

Do I need to re-enroll in my Medicare plan through the new health insurance Exchange?
No. Medicare’s open enrollment is not part of the new health insurance Exchange. It’s for people under age 65. People with Medicare, who want to make Medicare coverage changes, should make sure they review Medicare plans and not Exchange options.

Will I lose my Medicare coverage due to health reform and the Exchange?
No. Health reform and the Exchange do not affect your Medicare coverage. You’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now with Medicare.

Do I need a new Medicare card due to health reform?
No. But some people may try to convince you otherwise. Don’t listen to them. Protect your Medicare card just like you would a credit card or your Social Security card.

Will seniors on Medicare have to buy additional insurance due to health reform?
No. Medicare is not part of the new Exchange, so you don’t need to do anything.

Will people on Medicare receive a fine for not buying a health insurance Exchange plan?
No. In fact, it’s against the law for someone who knows you have Medicare to sell you an Exchange plan.

Can I go to the Exchange and get the subsidy to help pay for any of my Medicare coverage?
No. People on Medicare are not eligible for the subsidy through the Exchange.

What should I do if someone contacts me about signing up for an Exchange plan and I’m on Medicare?

  • Do Not sign up for an Exchange plan!
  • Do Not share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who knocks on your door or contacts you uninvited to sell you a health plan.
  • Do try and get the person’s contact information, such as their name, company they work for, phone number and email.
  • Do report the incident to SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) at (800) 562-6900.

What if I’m over age 65 and don’t qualify for Medicare – can I buy a plan in the Exchange? And if so, can I get a subsidy?
If you are over 65 and aren’t eligible for Medicare (you’ve been in the U.S legally for less than 5 years), you may buy a plan in the Exchange. However, you will not receive a subsidy.

I’m about to turn age 65 in a few months and will be eligible for Medicare, should I buy a plan in the Exchange?
If you’re about to turn 65 and you currently don’t have health insurance, you can buy a health plan in the Exchange. However, when you officially enroll in Medicare, you’ll need to drop your Exchange plan. Note: Any plan you buy in the Exchange between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2013, won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2014.

Medicare enrollees can review, compare and join a 2014 plan through December 7, 2013.

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by ywcakatie on November 1, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on November 1, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/11/01/medicare-the-health-benefit-exchange/

Get ready for health insurance!


This week, the Washington State Health Benefit Exchanges goes into effect!

Approximately 1 million Washington residents are uninsured – 200,000 of which live in King County. This group of uninsured residents make up about 16 percent of our state’s population. The Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – is meant to make health care and health care insurance more accessible to American citizens and legal residents. State exchanges like ours in Washington are online marketplaces where individuals can visit to learn more about health insurance and enroll in coverage.

Starting in January 2014, most people living in the US will need to be enrolled in health insurance. And for many in Washington State, accessing insurance plans in the Health Benefit Exchange through the HealthPlanFinder is the best way to do that.

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At the YWCA, we have a small (but mighty!) team of certified In-Person Assisters already doing outreach and education in the community to make sure we get as many people enrolled in health insurance as possible! Stay tuned for more information about upcoming enrollment events!

And to learn more about the Affordable Care Act, visit the Seattle Times‘ fabulous guide to health care reform!

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by ywcakatie on October 2, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on October 2, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/get-ready-for-health-insurance/