Washington State: @WAPlanFinder announces 218K enrollees to date; reminds residents to #GetCovered by Jan. 15th!

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Last Days before Washington Healthplanfinder Open Enrollment Deadline

With the Jan. 15 deadline looming, Washingtonians still seeking 2021 health coverage must act now to select a plan on Washington Healthplanfinder. Customers have less than three days to shop for coverage that begins Feb. 1.

Traffic on Washington Healthplanfinder continues to be brisk this week as customers rush ahead of Friday’s deadline. So far, over 218,000 Washingtonians have signed up for 2021 coverage, including more than 40,000 new customers.

“The surge of enrollees securing health and dental coverage has been steady and shows the impact that the pandemic has had on our state,” said Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “There is limited time left for those who still haven’t enrolled in coverage and I encourage them to review their options on Washington Healthplanfinder.”

Among new customers, 40 percent have selected one of this year’s new Cascade Care plans. Cascade Care plans cover more services prior to meeting a deductible, including primary care visits, mental health services, and generic drugs. Customers who need to renew their plan for 2021 can sign into their Washington Healthplanfinder account using the WaPlanfinder Mobile App or on WAHealthplanfinder.org and easily update and renew their coverage. Additionally, some customers may find that they qualify for free or low-cost coverage.

In their last update the WA exchange didn't mention Cascade Care plans at all, though they had previously made sure to do so in every other update. 40% of 40,000 is roughly 16,000 people. A week or so ago I projected the final number of Cascade Care plans would end up around 16,500, and with three days to go that seems like it'll be pretty close.

They still aren't breaking out the Cascade Select (Public Option) plans specifically, however, which is pretty telling as I noted in that same post.

Washington Healthplanfinder offers a wide range of resources to help people navigate their coverage options – including in-person enrollment centers, virtual video or phone assistance, and the WAPlanfinder Mobile App. Half of this year’s customers used a Navigator or Broker to help them enroll. Anyone seeking assistance in signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and help with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting the website.

During the 2021 open enrollment period, the Customer Support Center is open 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. The last extended hours scheduled will be Friday, January 15, 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.

About Washington Healthplanfinder
Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The next qualified health and dental plans open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinderfrom Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021.

About Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, more people have access to preventive care, such as cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority: www.hca.wa.gov.