Below are answers to frequently asked questions about insurance during the Coronavirus pandemic from the Washington State Benefits Exchange. WhidbeyHealth’s certified Financial Advocates and Insurance Verifiers are here to help our community. Call the WhidbeyHealth Financial Advocate for financial assistance help at: 360.678.7601.
Q: I am uninsured, can I get coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder?
A: Yes. You should apply for coverage right away. Washington Healthplanfinder will determine if you qualify for Washington Apple Health coverage, which is available year-round, or qualified health plan coverage, which is available during an open-enrollment period and during the year if you experience a qualifying event.
If you are uninsured and want coverage given the situation with COVID-19, we are here to help. Enroll by May 8 for coverage that begins May 1. Enroll by April 8 for coverage that begins April 1. Contact an Enrollment Center, Navigator or Broker, or our Customer Support Center today.
Q: I recently lost my employer coverage, how quickly do I need to act to get coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder?
A: You have 60 days of your employer coverage end date to enroll in coverage through WAHealthplanfinder.org or WAPlanfinder app. Washington Apple Health coverage is available year round if you qualify.
Reporting loss of coverage: Washington Healthplanfinder will guide you through reporting your change in coverage. This can be done entirely online. You can report your loss of employer coverage in Washington Healthplanfinder up to two months before it ends. This will help you avoid gaps in coverage.
COBRA: Before enrolling in COBRA, review your coverage options. Washington Healthplanfinder can provide affordable options to maintain coverage. If you enroll in COBRA and your employer stops helping pay for your COBRA premiums, you can report this change and sign up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. If you enroll in COBRA and decide to end your COBRA coverage, it is not a change that qualifies you to sign up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder outside the open enrollment period.
Tip: Use SmartPlanFinder to help choose a plan that covers your existing providers and prescriptions.
Q: I recently lost my job. What are my coverage options?
A: Job loss could make you newly eligible for no cost or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health. Report your current income when applying for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Note: If you also lost coverage from your employer, this opens a Special Enrollment Period for you to shop for a plan. Plan selection must occur within 60 days from the qualifying life event.
Reporting unemployment benefits: Report weekly Employment Security benefits to receive accurate eligibility for no cost or low cost coverage.
Coverage Start Date: Washington Apple Health coverage starts the month you enroll and can typically be used within 24-hours to obtain care or prescriptions.
Tip: Washington Apple Health can help with recent unpaid medical bills up to 3 months old.
Q: I am employed, but my work hours have been cut back. What are my coverage options?
A: A reduction of work hours could make you newly eligible for no cost or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health. Report your current income when applying for coverage through WAHealthplanfinder.org or WAPlanfinder mobile app.
No coverage: If you are uninsured and would like coverage given the situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) contact us as soon as possible. If you qualify for Washington Apple Health, that coverage will begin immediately. If you qualify for qualified health plan coverage, you must enroll in a qualified health plan before May 8 can for coverage that begins May 1. If you enroll before April 8, you can get coverage that begins April 1.
Reporting unemployment benefits: Report wages (reduced level) and weekly Employment Security benefits to receive accurate eligibility for no cost or low-cost coverage.
Have employer coverage: Even if you have employer coverage, you may be eligible for no cost or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health. This program coordinates with your employer to help lower your costs.
Have Qualified Health Plan coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder: Report the change of income, you may qualify for extra financial help.
Tip: Update your Washington Healthplanfinder account as your circumstances change (example: your household income has changed).
Q: I am furloughed/on unpaid leave/on Paid Family Medical Leave. What are my coverage options?
A: Washington Apple Health can be a temporary coverage option until you return to work. Apply for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Reporting income when on unpaid leave: Enter your employer information and enter an income amount of “$0.01” (if you enter $0 as your income you will not be able to proceed).
Reporting Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML): Report your paid leave amount as ‘other income’.
Employer Coverage: Even if you have employer coverage, you may be eligible for no cost or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health. This program coordinates with your employer to help lower your costs.
Tip: Update your Washington Healthplanfinder account at as your circumstances change (example: you return to work).
