SHELTON, WA – The Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WAHBE) is aligning with the federal marketplace (Healthcare.gov) to provide additional time for people to enroll in health insurance. In support of this effort, the Exchange will be replicating federal flexibility and will provide a special enrollment period (SEP) to extend the timeframe for Washingtonians seeking health coverage.

“We realize that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Aligning with federal efforts to extend the time for individuals to secure health coverage is a necessary step to ensure the ongoing health, safety, and well-being of Washingtonians during the current pandemic,” noted the Washington Health Benefit Exchange in a statement.

Mason Health has navigators available to help you enroll in a health insurance plan during this new SEP: Contact Susana Lopez at 360-432-7766 or Alex Schiffman at 360-432-7790.

What you need to know:

• This SEP begins Feb. 15, 2021 and runs through May 15, 2021.

• This SEP is for those currently uninsured as well as those who are enrolled in other health insurance products – including short-term limited duration plans, health sharing ministries or COBRA – who are seeking coverage alternatives (anyone not currently covered through Washington Healthplanfinder).

• Current Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees are not eligible and may not change plans (this does not apply if an enrollee experiences a qualifying life event that allows for a plan change).

• Individuals have 60 days from the date the SEP is approved to enroll in and submit their plan selection.

• Enrollment follows the 15th of the month rule:

o Enrollments that occur before the 15th of the month will have a coverage start date of the first day of the following month.

o Enrollments after 15th of the month will have a coverage start date of the month after the next month – the second following month.

Reminder: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Visit the WAHBE Coronavirus FAQs page for answers to frequently asked questions during the COVID-19 pandemic: www.wahbexchange.org/coronavirus-faqs/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.MasonGeneral.com.

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