Washington Healthplanfinder Adds In-Person Assistance in Olympia for 2018 Open Enrollment

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Submitted by Washington Health Benefit Exchange

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has announced that GHB Insurance, Inc. will operate a full-service enrollment center in Olympia offering in-person assistance to Washington Healthplanfinder customers during the upcoming open enrollment period that takes place November 1, 2017-January 15, 2018.

The full-service enrollment center located at 556 Lilly Road SE, Suite A in Olympia will be staffed with trained navigators and brokers who will be available to personally guide Thurston County residents and those in neighboring counties through the process of enrolling in health and dental coverage.

“Increased rates will impact customers very differently depending on where they live and their eligibility for subsidies,” said Pam MacEwan, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “It is especially important that all customers who have questions related to their insurance coverage, and would like 1:1 assistance, connect with a skilled broker or navigator who can help them understand their coverage options and enroll in coverage that best meets their needs.”

Ron Bruchet, president of GHB Insurance
Ron Ron Bruchet, president of GHB Insurance, sees these in-person sites as an important tool to help people clearly understand what is available to them. Photo courtesy: GHB Insurance

The selection of GHB Insurance to operate a full-service enrollment center in Olympia was based on their prior experience with enrollment and assistance, as well as the remaining number of uninsured individuals residing in their service area. The location is required to host regular business hours and offer extended availability leading up to important enrollment deadlines. Residents are encouraged to schedule appointments with a navigator or broker in advance of the start of open enrollment on Nov. 1.

“GHB is honored to be able to offer our expertise to help people clearly understand what is available for them,” said Ron Bruchet, president of GHB Insurance that is celebrating its 90th year in the community.  “This Open Enrollment period may be particularly challenging and we see it as another chance to provide excellent customer service and knowledge about the process, so that people get the care and coverage they need.”

In-person assistance sites strengthen an extensive network of existing navigators and brokers who are available to provide in-person help in communities throughout Washington state. Residents seeking in-person assistance from trained navigators and brokers may find that help in their area by clicking the “Customer Support” link on www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

Residents may also use the new WAPlanfinder Mobile App to locate nearby in-person assistance and find updated information about their coverage. Additional assistance is available over the phone by calling the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633.

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year. Small business owners have the option of enrolling year-round through Washington Healthplanfinder Business.

 

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