The Washington Health Benefit Exchange recently announced an emergency special enrollment period (SEP) for the uninsured.
The SEP parallels the federal COVID-19 SEP ordered by President Biden and runs from February 15 through May 15, 2021. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has also issued an emergency ruling that extends the SEP to individual health plans offered off the exchange.
Who is eligible for the SEP?
Uninsured individuals and families signing up for new coverage are eligible for the SEP. Enrollees do not need to have experienced a qualifying life event or other special circumstance and do not need qualifying proof.
During this time, those currently uninsured, seeking coverage, or enrolled in a health-sharing ministries, short-term limited duration plan, or COBRA can enroll.
Timeline and premium payment requirements
- Enrollments that occur on or before the 15th of the month will have a coverage start date of the first day of the following month.
- Enrollments occurring after the 15th will have a coverage start date that begins the first of the second month.
- Coverage purchased through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange requires that the initial payment be made 30 days from the effective date of coverage before being canceled for non-payment.
- Off-exchange enrollees will receive a billing statement for their premium and they should pay their premium by the first of the month coverage is effective.
Who can assist prospective members?
Clients seeking coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder need to work through an exchange-certified producer or one of the resources provided on the Washington Healthplanfinder website.
For clients seeking Individual coverage off the exchange, we encourage you to send them your link to the Kaiser Permanente Washington off-exchange enrollment portal. If you need more information about this option, contact the Individual & Family producer support team at 1-800-474-1079 or ifsales@kp.org