Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts

Allstate Foundation hosts a backpack giveaway and free day at the Science Center

Friday, August 24, 2018



This Saturday, August 25 from 10am to 2pm, foster children and underserved youth can get a free backpack and school supplies, and enjoy a free day at Pacific Science Center.

Nonprofits that support underserved and foster youth are invited to bring the children they support to enjoy a free day at the Science Center, and pick up a free backpack and supplies to get prepared for the school year.

As Seattle children get ready to go back to school, families can expect to pay $637 in school supplies for an elementary school student, $941 for a middle schooler and $1,355 for a high schooler, according to the Huntington Bank's 2018 Backpack Index.

To help relieve some of the pressure of school supply costs, the Allstate Foundation is partnering with Pacific Science Center to give away 1,000 backpacks and school supplies to underserved youth and foster children on Saturday, August 25 from 10am to 2pm.

AdoptUSKids reports that there are over 10,000 children in foster care in Washington, so the Allstate Foundation and PacSci invited local nonprofits that support foster children and underserved youth, and the children in their care to enjoy a free day at the Science Center and a free backpack filled with supplies before the school year starts.

“Every child should have access to the tools needed to succeed in the classroom, regardless of their family situation,” said Kristian Landon-Suson, a local Allstate agent. “The price of school supplies remains a challenge for many families—a challenge they face every year—so the Allstate Foundation wants to lend a helping hand by providing essential supplies to those who need it most.”

Together, participating Washington agency owners and the Allstate Foundation are also donating $15,000 to PacSci to support its mission to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery. Among the participating Allstate agency owners is Rallie Jamero with an office in North City in Shoreline and John Ramsay on NE 45th in Seattle.

“Pacific Science Center is excited to partner with the Allstate Foundation for their backpack drive. We share Allstate’s commitment to ensure all children have the opportunities and tools to learn,” said Will Daugherty, Pacific Science Center president and CEO.
“Through our Family and Youth Access Memberships, we are able to supplement science education for youth who may not otherwise have access. We very much appreciate Allstate’s generous donation of supplies. Together, we ignite curiosity and help these students succeed in school.”


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Washington receives $284,000 grant to bolster access to mental health and addiction treatment services

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Insurance Commissioner
Mike Kreidler
Washington is one of 30 states plus the District of Columbia to receive a portion of an $8.6 million grant awarded through the State Flexibility to Stabilize the Market program created under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Washington received $284,135 of the total grant funding. Our state chose to focus the use of the funding to bolster access to mental health and addiction treatment services.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler applied for the grant to conduct a thorough analysis of whether health insurers in Washington offer comprehensive and affordable health coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

Under the grant, his office will study health plan benefit design, insurers’ policies and procedures for coverage of these services, and claims data.

Kreidler’s office intends to form an advisory committee of consumers, medical and behavioral health providers and insurers to begin work this fall.

Analysis of the data will reveal if there are any coverage gaps or disparities in how behavioral health is covered compared to other health services and identify possible solutions.

Any issues uncovered during the data collection and Kreidler's recommendations will be part of a detailed report produced at the end of the two-year grant.



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Insurance Commissioner: What to consider when buying renter insurance

Wednesday, August 15, 2018


From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, here are some Tips for buying renter insurance:
  • Policies and prices can vary from company to company.
  • Some companies only offer renter insurance if you have other insurance with them, such as auto coverage.
  • Check your rental or lease contract with the landlord, who may require you to carry specific coverage.
Buying additional insurance

A list of additional insurance coverage to consider adding to your renter policy:
  • Full value contents coverage (also called replacement cost coverage) - This pays the actual cost to replace your property with a like kind and quality product.
  • Earthquake and flood insurance.
  • Scheduled personal property - This insures jewelry, furs, cameras, musical instruments, silverware, guns, fine art, postage stamps, coin collections and some sporting goods.
  • Increased limits for business property - This protects your business from loss to any structures or contents you use to run your business.
  • Business merchandise coverage - This covers goods or items you sell or buy.
  • Incidental business liability - If you have a home business, this protects you from business-related claims.
  • Volunteer coverage - If you volunteer, this protects you from someone who makes a claim against you for damages you cause while you're volunteering.
  • Outboard-motor boat insurance - This covers damage to your insured boat or damage you cause to another boat.
Renter insurance for college students

If you're a college student who rents an off-campus apartment or house, consider buying renter insurance. This coverage protects your personal property if it gets damaged, destroyed or stolen, such as your computer, TV, stereo, bicycle, or furniture.

If you're a parent with dependent children included on your home insurance policy, their personal property may not be covered while they're at college. Check your policy or contact your insurance agent to see if your homeowner insurance provides enough protection.

Other information that may be helpful to you:
If you need more help, the Insurance Commissioner's office has people to help you:


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NRA sold Carry Guard insurance in Washington state

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Mike Kreidler, Washington State
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is considering additional legal action against NRA-branded Carry Guard program for advertising a potentially misleading insurance policy in Washington state. 

The policies issued through the Carry Guard program were underwritten by Illinois Union Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Chubb Ltd., through Lockton Affinity L.L.C., an affiliate of Lockton Cos. L.L.C.

Kreidler’s new investigation of the NRA’s solicitation comes after the New York Department of Financial Services this week alerted insurance commissioners across the country.

New York found that the NRA’s Carry Guard program unlawfully provided liability insurance to gun owners for acts of intentional wrongdoing. New York law prohibits insurance coverage for defense costs that result from a crime.

New York fined the insurance company associated with the NRA $1.3 million and ordered an end to sales in the state.

Kreidler’s investigation follows his order to the NRA in April to cease and desist selling four Carry Guard liability insurance products that were offered on the NRA’s website. The NRA solicited the policies without an insurance producer license, a violation of state law.

The initial investigation resulted from a consumer complaint.

“I am extremely concerned that the NRA continues to promote what appears to be a misleading product that may not provide consumers the protection it promises,” Kreidler said. “Consumers deserve to understand what they’re buying. If they’re being misled, I will take immediate action to protect them.”

If a review of current state insurance laws shows inadequate protections from these types of products, Kreidler said he would not hesitate to propose legislation to bolster protection for consumers. That could include a ban on the type of liability insurance the NRA is currently soliciting.

Kreidler said he would ask the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General to work with him in stopping potentially unfair trade practices.


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Experts from Insurance Commissioner's office will answer your Medicare questions

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Do you have questions About Medicare?

Monday, July 16, 2018 from 1pm - 5pm experts from SHIBA will answer your questions.

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioners (OIC).

SHIBA's trained and impartial volunteers are available to assist consumers with their Medicare related questions.

Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155

Registration required. Stop by the Information Desk or call the Shoreline Library to make a one-hour appointment, 206-362-7550.


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Insurance Commissioner fines Kaiser $100,000 for violating consumer appeal rules

Friday, June 29, 2018

Mike Kreidler
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler disciplined and issued fines in May, totaling $172,900, against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, Seattle; fined $100,000, order 18-0148

A consumer filed a complaint with the insurance commissioner stating that Kaiser failed to notify him that he had five days to provide supporting information to an Independent Review Organization (IRO), one of consumers’ health insurance appeal rights.

The insurance commissioner looked at Kaiser’s IRO files from January 2016 through March 2017 and found the company violated several rules related to IRO appeals:
  • All but one consumer were not told of their right to provide additional information to the IRO within five business days.
  • Kaiser failed to send files to the IRO within three business days. 
  • All but one of the expedited files took longer than 72 hours to complete. 
  • Half of the consumers who filed were not given the IRO name and contact information within one business day. 
The insurance commissioner suspended $30,000 of the fine as long as Kaiser complies with the terms of the compliance plan and doesn’t commit additional law violations within two years.


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What Washingtonians need to know about new Medicare cards

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Catherine Field, Humana Medicare
President in Washington
By Catherine Field, Humana Medicare President in Washington

What is happening:

To combat identity theft, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be changing the format of all Medicare numbers, which means that every existing Medicare beneficiary will get an updated Medicare Card that lists their new Medicare number.

What is changing:

Instead of being based on a beneficiary’s Social Security number, each Medicare number will be an individually generated combination of letters and numbers. In addition, the new card is paper, which is easier for doctors and health care providers to use and copy.

Why is this happening:

Removing the Social Security number from Medicare cards will help fight identity theft for people with Medicare. In doing so, CMS aims to better protect private health care and financial information and federal health care benefit and service payments.

When is this happening:

All Medicare cards will be replaced between April 2018 and April 2019. Washingtonians will receive their new cards after June of this year.

This will be a long process because CMS will be issuing approximately 60 million new ID cards. Until the new card is received, people with Medicare should continue using their current ID card. Once the new card is received, begin using it immediately. Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, only the new card will be usable.

New Medicare card
Who will be impacted:

New cards will be generated for all active existing and new Medicare beneficiaries. Each beneficiary will have a unique number (e.g., husband and wife will have their own).

What does this mean for people with Medicare:

The new cards won’t change Medicare benefits. People with Medicare may start using their new Medicare ID cards as soon as they get them. Until they receive the new Medicare ID card beneficiaries are to continue using their current Medicare ID card.

For Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan, the change applies only to their Medicare card and not to their health insurance carrier’s medical card, such as their Humana Medicare Advantage card. Those with a Medicare Advantage plan (with Humana or any company) should keep their Medicare Advantage plan ID card with them at all times and use it when going to the doctor, hospital, lab, etc.

How do I protect myself from scams:

Medicare will never call uninvited to ask for your new Medicare number or get personal or private information.

Scam artists may try to get personal information and/or your current Medicare number by contacting you about your new card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on the new Medicare cards visit the website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization, and a stand-alone prescription drug plan, with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.



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Providence, Swedish to pay $1.4M for failing to inform patients about out-of-network lab testing charges

Monday, April 23, 2018

State Atty General
Bob Ferguson
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced at the end of March 2018 that affiliated health care providers, Providence Health and Services and Swedish Health Services, will pay more than $1.4 million as a result of an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.

Providence and Swedish failed to disclose use of a pathology lab that was out-of-network for many of their patients, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected charges for more than 6,400 Washingtonians who received pathology testing in 2015 and 2016.

Providence’s Western Washington facilities and Swedish facilities exclusively use CellNetix for pathology testing. From January 2015 to February 2016, Premera Blue Cross, a health insurer for many Providence and Swedish patients, pulled CellNetix from its network. 

Despite having advance notice of the change, Swedish and Providence failed to inform their patients that an out-of-network lab would be providing their pathology testing. Consequently, Premera-insured patients received substantially higher medical bills than they expected.

For more than a year, Providence and Swedish did not notify their patients of their use of CellNetix, despite many complaints from patients, including their own employees. In that timeframe, individual Premera patients paid CellNetix between $7 and $7,000 for testing.

The complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges that the companies’ failure to inform their patients about their use of an out-of-network lab violates the Consumer Protection Act.

Patients who paid the CellNetix out-of-network charges will receive a total of $385,101 in restitution, which represents the estimated amount of unexpected out-of-network charges consumers paid beyond what they would have paid for in-network lab testing.

“Patients deserve to know what to expect from their medical bills,” Ferguson said. “Navigating our health system is challenging, and this type of unfair and deceptive conduct just makes things harder for patients.”

As a result of the Attorney General’s investigation, Providence and Swedish entered into a consent decree filed in King County Superior Court. The consent decree requires Providence and Swedish to pay:
  • $385,101 in restitution for the Swedish and Providence patients who paid the out-of-network costs; and
  • $1,053,899 to the Attorney General’s Office to recover the costs of its investigation and legal action and fund consumer protection efforts in Washington.
Patients will receive restitution checks at the address CellNetix has on file for the patient.

The consent decree also requires that if Providence and Swedish use out-of-network labs on an exclusive basis in the future, they must either provide sufficient notice to patients, or maintain contract terms preventing out-of-network labs used on an exclusive basis from billing patients for more than what their bill would have been if the lab was in-network.

Assistant Attorney General Audrey Udashen is handling the case for the Attorney General’s Office.



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Insurance commissioner fines GEICO for raising premiums on customers who froze their credit scores

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Mike Kreidler, Washington state
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in February 2018 totaling $49,200 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.

The biggest fine was $30,000 against GEICO for not properly notifying consumers whose premiums it raised because they had placed a freeze on their credit scores. 

GEICO, Chevy Chase, Md.; fined $30,000, order 17-0377
A consumer filed a complaint with the insurance commissioner after GEICO raised the consumer’s insurance premium after the consumer placed a freeze on a credit score.

State law allows insurers to consider consumers’ credit information when setting premiums, but requires that they notify consumers and give them a reason for the increase when they raise premiums based on credit information.

The company sent an adverse action notice to the consumer but didn’t give the reason for the premium increase.

An inquiry from the commissioner revealed that GEICO sent adverse action notices without citing a reason to 293 consumers in the past two years. After the commissioner’s inquiry, GEICO contacted each of the consumers to address the reason for the adverse action notice and give them an opportunity to lift the freeze for a credit check.

Read questions and answers about credit freezes and insurance in Washington state.

Another fine announced Wednesday was on a Lake Forest Park insurance producer.

Hien Thi Luong, Lake Forest Park, Wash.; fined $500, order 17-0464
Luong, an insurance producer, falsely stated on her license renewal that she completed the required 24 hours of continuing education. She submitted a falsified certificate of completion for a class she did not finish.


 

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Insurance Commissioner moves to stabilize the individual health insurance market

Friday, March 30, 2018

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler recently approved a new regulation to help stabilize the individual health insurance market by increasing the number of geographic areas an insurer can use to set rates.

Insurers are allowed to vary how much they charge their enrollees depending on provider reimbursement costs in different parts of the state. Previously, Washington was divided into five rating areas. The new rule increases the number of rating areas to nine. Each area is assigned a rating factor based on provider reimbursement costs. This is just one of the factors insurers can use to calculate premiums for enrollees who live in that geographic area.

“By increasing the number of rating areas, we can more accurately reflect the experience of the insurers in our market and provide incentives for them to offer coverage in more parts of the state, especially in our rural areas,” Kreidler said.

To protect consumers from excessive differences in premiums from one part of the state to another, Washington is one of a few states that caps the allowable difference in premiums. The new rule gives insurers willing to offer individual health insurance coverage in most or all of the counties in the state somewhat greater latitude in setting their premiums.

“We anticipate this will encourage insurers to offer individual health insurance in more counties,” Kreidler said.

How much someone pays for their health plan depends on a number of factors, including:
  • Their age, 
  • How many people are covered, 
  • Whether or not they smoke, 
  • Where they live; and 
  • The type of plan they choose. 
“More than 300,000 people in Washington state buy their health insurance in the individual market and they’ve faced tremendous uncertainty this year because of deliberate actions by the federal government,” said Kreidler. 
“Now they’re facing premium increases as well as limited plan choices - especially in rural parts of the state. Expanding the number of rating areas in our state is just one step we can take to help stabilize this market for consumers.”

Kreidler proposed legislation this year to create a state-based reinsurance program for the individual market similar to the federal reinsurance program in place under the Affordable Care Act from 2014-16. Kreidler’s proposal would have lowered premium increases by up to 10 percent. The Legislature supported the proposal but could not reach agreement on a funding source.

“I’m committed to using every tool we have to stabilize the individual health insurance market – including proposing a reinsurance program again,” Kreidler said. 
“But in the meantime, we must look at every opportunity we have to improve this market. Now that the Trump administration and Congress have failed to help consumers, it’s up to the states to take the lead.”

In light of the new rule, one insurer – Premera Blue Cross – has already committed to cover any potential “bare” county in 2019.


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Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park 2011
From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Homeowner and commercial insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.

If your property is located in a flood-prone area (a "Special Flood Hazard Area"), your lender will likely require you to have flood insurance.

Even if you live in a minimal or moderate flood hazard area, you may still want to buy flood insurance.

Flood insurance is widely available through FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 

You can check your flood risk by contacting your local insurance agent.

There are, however, limits to federal flood insurance. For commercial structures, for example, the NFIP maximum is $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents. Even small businesses may need supplemental coverage.

National Flood Insurance Program policies go into effect 30 days after the policy is written, unless the policy is required to qualify for a mortgage.

Surplus line policies typically don't have a waiting period.

Ronald Bog about to overflow its banks
Photo by Janet Way
If you have a flood:
  • Don't attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home or business. Flood-damaged buildings can collapse. Be cautious about gas leaks or energized wiring in flooded basements.
  • If you have damage, call your insurer or agent.
  • Take photos or video. Make a list of lost or damaged items.
  • Even if you didn't have flood insurance, you may qualify for some federal emergency grants or loans.
  • Talk to your insurer before making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property.
  • Save receipts from any mitigation efforts (sandbags, pumps, etc.) for possible insurer reimbursement.
  • If you have to move, make sure your insurer or agent has a way to reach you.
  • Save receipts for temporary repairs, temporary housing, food, etc.

Other information:



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Sears fined for selling tire insurance without state approval

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler disciplined and issued fines in December 2017 totaling $321,000 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.

Among them was Sears, which sold tire warranties without being registered with the state as an insurance provider.

Sears Holdings Corp., Hoffman Estates, Ill.; fined $95,000, order 17-0494

Sears illegally sold 53,717 tire warranties to Washington consumers from 2010 through May 2017. Its revenue from the policies was more than $2.2 million.

Sears has 90 days to request a hearing; if they do not then they have waived their rights and the final paperwork will be filed to impose the fine.




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Quarter million Washingtonians sign up for ACA insurance

Wednesday, January 24, 2018



More than 242,000 residents signed up for 2018 health coverage using the Washington Health Plan Finder for the Affordable Care Act insurance.

This is the highest number to date in Washington.

Open enrollment is now closed, however you can still enroll in a plan if you have a life changing event. See if I Qualify

Enrollment in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is open year-round See if I Qualify.



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As deadline looms, enrollment surges in health insurance

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Deadline for enrollment is Monday January 15
By Keith Seinfeld, Seattle-King County Public Health

More people than ever are buying health insurance through Washington’s health insurance exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder.

And with the surge in interest, King County’s network of health insurance navigators is offering extra hours to help people find the right plan for their needs.

In Washington state, because we operate our own Affordable Care Act exchange (and don’t depend on the federal exchange), residents have an extended deadline to sign up – through January 15, 2018.

Heading into this final week, after ten weeks of Open Enrollment, more people already have purchased plans than in any previous year – in less time.
  • This year in King County: 90,000 enrolled by Jan. 9, 2018 (after ten weeks)
  • Last year in King County: 65,000 enrolled by Jan. 31, 2017 (after 13 weeks) 

While many people enroll on their own, through the website, many others need to discuss their options. A network of community organizations helps people navigate through the online insurance comparison tool.

“We are seeing a lot more people with more intense questions this year,” says Daphne Pie, manager of the Access and Outreach program of Public Health—Seattle / King County and leader of the county’s navigators network.
“Some have questions about which providers are in which network. Some have concerns about their prescription drugs. Or they want a higher deductible, but at least a few preventive visits. So, the navigators have learned a lot about the different plans – especially using the new “smart plan finder” tool – and we can help clients see how the plans compare,” she says.

Some of the changes this year include lower prices for many people who qualify for federal tax credits (which includes a majority of people who enroll); and fewer options for people who used to buy individual insurance outside of the exchange, because some insurance carriers stopped offering individual plans.

That adds up to a lot of people looking for new plans this year.

For anyone hoping to enroll before the deadline, now’s the time to compare the insurance options. You also can:

Some last minute walk-in sites for King County include:

Thursday, Jan. 11, Shoreline City Hall 5:00pm – 8:00pm, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families who are eligible for 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.


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Insurance Commissioner sues Sears for service contract violations

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Sears at Aurora Square
Sears Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Ill.; fined $100,000, order 17-0037

Sears was a registered service contract provider in Washington state and was legally selling warranties to consumers.

The insurance commissioner suspended the company’s registration in March 2016 because it didn’t fulfill its financial responsibility requirements according to state law.

Effectively, the company’s net worth was too low to make the business financially viable. The commissioner issued the fine because the company waited 15 months to disclose its financial difficulty, a violation of state law.

During the 15-month period, Sears sold 4,171 jewelry service contracts and 2,836 service agreements to Washington consumers. The company has since transferred the service contracts to its financially solvent company, Sears Protection Co., which is authorized to sell service contracts in Washington state.

--Office of the Insurance Commissioner



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Insurance Commissioner's Office will answer your insurance questions

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The Insurance Commissioner's office has a staff of consumer advocacy experts dedicated to help you understand your insurance rights and answer your questions for all types of insurance problems or questions.

You can contact consumer advocates by phone or online


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Health Insurance Application Assistance at Mountlake Terrace Library

Monday, December 18, 2017

Health Insurance Application Assistance at Mountlake Terrace Library
Tuesdays, December 19, 26, 2017 from 1:00-4:00pm

Sea Mar Community Health Centers will assist you with enrolling in Medicaid and low cost coverage health plans through the Washington Health Plan Finder as well as Food Stamps and/or cash assistance for those in need.

For those who already have insurance through the state they will help you renew and answer any questions you might have about your coverage.

Drop in anytime between 1:00 - 4:00 pm to meet with a Certified Navigator who is available to help you free of charge.

23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace 98043.



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Individual counseling from health insurance experts Monday

SHIBA volunteers, sponsored by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, will be at the Shoreline Library Monday, December 18, 2017.

They are scheduling one hour, individual appointments between 1pm and 5pm. Call 206-362-7550 or stop by the Information Desk to schedule.

Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, 98155, Small Meeting Room.

SHIBA stands for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors.



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Friday is enrollment deadline for health insurance to start Jan 1

Friday, December 15, 2017

Photo courtesy Office of the
Insurance Commissioner
From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Open enrollment for people buying their own health insurance ends January 15, 2018. Consumers looking for a health plan for themselves or their families should first visit Washington’s Exchange,

But don't delay - it may take a while to get on the site because it appears to be crashing under the last minute traffic.

The Exchange offers financial help with premiums and lower co-pays and deductibles to people who financially qualify. It’s also where people can see if they are eligible for free coverage through Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program.

This year, the Exchange has two new consumers tools designed to help people find, review and enroll in the coverage that’s right for them:

  • A new app, WAPlanfinder creates a more mobile-friendly shopping experience.
  • Smart Planfinder helps people customize their choices based on the prescriptions they take, the number of doctor visits they expect to make in a year and their preferred providers and facilities.

Eleven insurers have been approved to sell 74 plans in the individual market this year. Seven insurers are selling plans inside the Exchange, and seven are selling outside of the Exchange. 

Coverage is the same if you buy directly from an insurance company, but to get help with your premium and lower cost-sharing, including deductibles, you must buy your health plan through the Exchange.

Cost-sharing subsidies are still available to people who qualify, despite President Trump’s announcement that he would stop paying insurers for providing the assistance. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers are still required to offer them.

See all health insurers selling inside and outside of the Exchange and their rates by county.

Open enrollment in the Exchange runs until January 15, but you must select a plan by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1, 2018.

Check your options first through Washington’s Exchange. It’s the only place to get help with your premium and lower co-pays and deductibles.
Make sure you know which providers and medical facilities are covered. This can change each year, so double-check before your enroll.

Approximately 330,000 people buy their own health insurance through the individual health insurance market.

Last year, more than 182,000 bought coverage through the Exchange and more than 113,000 received financial assistance.


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Health Insurance Application Assistance at Mountlake Terrace Library

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Mountlake Terrace Library
Health Insurance Application Assistance
Tuesdays Dec 12, 19, 26
1:00-4:00pm
Mountlake Terrace Library
23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace 98043

Sea Mar Community Health Centers will assist you with enrolling in Medicaid and low cost coverage health plans through the Washington Health Plan Finder as well as Food Stamps and/or cash assistance for those in need.

For those who already have insurance through the state they will help you renew and answer any questions you might have about your coverage.

Drop in anytime between 1:00 - 4:00pm to meet with a Certified Navigator who is available to help you free of charge.




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