Submitted by Rep. Rick Larsen’s office

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, announced the start of open enrollment on Wednesday, Nov. 1, encouraging Washingtonians to sign up for health insurance for 2018 under the Affordable Care Act. Since enacted, the ACA continues to help thousands of people across Northwest Washington access high quality, comprehensive health care.

“The Affordable Care Act is not dead – and Washington state continues to be a leader nationwide in expanding access for Washingtonians to high-quality health insurance, so they do not have to worry about being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

“Open enrollment for health coverage in 2018 begins today – and I encourage folks to get covered and stay covered by making sure they know their options for the coming year to keep themselves and their families healthy,” said Larsen on Nov. 1.

Washington state has its own health insurance exchange, the Washington Healthplanfinder, which will extend the open enrollment period by one month. Last year, more than 200,000 residents used the Washington Healthplanfinder to enroll in a 2017 Qualified Health Plan. Since it first opened in 2013, the Washington Healthplanfinder has connected more than 1.8 million Washingtonians to coverage. Washington state residents have until Dec. 15 to sign up for coverage that will begin on Jan. 1, 2018. Open enrollment in Washington state ends on Jan. 15 to be enrolled by Feb. 1

Washingtonians who need assistance have access to trained navigators on the Washington Healthplanfinder website. Residents can also check there to see if they are eligible for financial assistance with monthly premiums. For more information, visit Washington Healthplanfinder at www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

For an update on how the current presidential administration’s decision to stop funding some ACA plan reimbursements to insurance companies will affect the state, read this fact sheet on www.wahbexchange.org.

To read about ACA plans in the county, as well as individual plans outside the exchange, read the Journal’s article “One health insurer remains for San Juan County individual plans.”

Watch a video of Larsen encouraging enrollment, below.