When we’re confused, it can be hard to take action.
With just a few days left to make a decision about health insurance, now is the time for people who need coverage to get their questions answered. The 2019 Open Enrollment period for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on Dec. 15.
Fortunately, Public Health—Seattle & King County is taking extra steps to assist people who are unsure about how to sign up or how to choose from the many options.
There are nine special enrollment events scheduled between now and Sunday in King County. Online and telephone assistance are also available daily (see details below).
Health insurance specialists, called Navigators, will be at the following locations. More than 250 Navigators also are available through community agencies to help people sign up through Washington Healthplanfinder.
| Location | Date | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snoqualmie | Tues., Dec. 10 | Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd SE, Snoqualmie, 98065 | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm |
| SeaTac | Thurs., Dec. 12 | Star Coffee Restaurant, 16005 International Blvd, SeaTac, 98188 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Vashon | Fri., Dec. 13 | Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon, 98070 | 11:00 am – 1:30 pm |
| Seattle | Fri., Dec. 13 | Pike Place Market Commons, 1901 Western Ave #1000, Seattle, 98101 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Federal Way | Sat., Dec. 14 | Federal Way Service Center, 1640 S. 318th Pl., Federal Way, 98003 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Tukwila | Sat., Dec. 14 | Showalter Middle School, 4628 S. 144th St, Tukwila, 98168 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (also dental screenings) |
| Seattle | Sat., Dec. 14 | Metro Service Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle 98104 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Seattle | Sun., Dec. 15 | South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave S., Seattle, 98108 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (also mammograms, dental screenings) |
| Federal Way | Sun., Dec. 15 | Federal Way Service Center, 1640 S. 318th Pl., Federal Way, 98003 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
This year, interest is high. By the end of November – with two weeks remaining – nearly 190,000 Washington residents had signed up for a Qualified Health Plan, nearly as many people as in all of last year.
For many, prices are lower
“I think interest is higher because we have lower cost options this year. Premiums went down for the lowest price Silver plan, which is what a lot of people want,” said Daphne Pie of Public Health, who manages King County’s network of Navigators.
In King County, consumers can choose plans from six insurance companies.
More than half of all customers qualify for an immediate tax credit, which lowers the monthly price for insurance. Many others qualify for Washington Apple Health, which is free and available year-round.
For those who enroll before the 11:59pm deadline on Dec. 15, insurance coverage will start on Jan. 1, 2020. For those eligible for Washington Apple Health, enrollment is available year-round.
How to get help in King County:
- Online: Coverage is Here King County website: Answers to basic questions, plus locations and dates for in-person assistance
- Online: Washington Healthplanfinder website and app: It’s easy to browse specific options, compare pricing, and see whether a key provider or prescription is covered
- Phone: King County hotline for health access: 800-756-5437
- Phone: Washington Healthplanfinder: 855-923-4633 (extended evening hours Dec. 11-15)
- Enrollment Centers: These sites are open daily (in addition to special events listed on the website), to help people enroll.
- Public Health-Seattle Metro Service Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle 98104 (Mon.-Thurs 8:30-4:30 and some Fridays and Saturdays, please check schedule)
- Public Health-Federal Way Enrollment Center, 1640 S. 318th P, Suite B, Federal Way 98003 (Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-5:00; for weekend hours, please check website)
(Originally published 12/10/2019)
Thank you, Keith! Nice article!