Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act insurance Nov 1 to Dec 15

At a kick-off event at Maple Valley Fire Station No. 80, King County Executive Dow Constantine highlighted efforts by Public Health – Seattle and King County to enroll people in health insurance plans available on the state’s exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder.

“King County is a health reform success story. We embraced the ACA and drove down the uninsured rate in King County by more than half,” said Executive Constantine.

Public Health is the lead regional agency for helping local residents get health insurance during open enrollment, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

Outreach activities have already started in communities where the data shows people are eligible for low-priced insurance but haven’t enrolled.

For example, in Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, and other cities, health care Navigators have been meeting with local businesses, to educate them about helping part-time workers or small business employees get insurance.

In King County, people can choose from 20 different insurance plans.

The price of insurance for many people will be the same as last year, or even lower. More than half the customers who buy individual or family insurance plans from Washington Healthplanfinder get a discount, through credits that are based on income level.

Overall, approximately 7.6 percent of working-age adults remain uninsured in King County, and new health data shows that the percentages are different across the county, depending on location and demographic groups.

Reminder: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families with lower incomes through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.