The Washington Health Benefit Exchange today announced Spokane and Vancouver as the sites of the state’s first pair of full-service health insurance enrollment centers. Set to debut at the start of the open enrollment period on Nov. 1, the two health insurance “storefronts” will offer in-person assistance to residents as they explore coverage options available through Washington Healthplanfinder.

“The introduction of these two storefronts allows the Exchange to reach individuals and families who need coverage the most,” said Pam MacEwan, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “For those who don’t have access to computers or help acquiring health insurance, these full-service enrollment centers can connect residents with the tools and in-person assistance necessary for gaining coverage.”

“We are committed to connecting with as many Washington residents as possible to ensure they receive health insurance coverage. The launch of storefronts in the Spokane and Vancouver communities allows us to reach individuals and families at a more local level.”

Spokane and Vancouver are both located in counties containing the highest concentrations of uninsured residents in the state. The storefront in Spokane, located at 2001 North Division Street, is situated between zip codes with the highest rates of uninsured in the Spokane County. Vancouver’s storefront location at 7720 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Suite 110 is near the Vancouver Mall in one of Clark County’s most high-traffic areas.

The Spokane storefront was selected to be managed by Better Health Together and the Vancouver location will be overseen by Applied Team Insurance. Both storefronts will be staffed with navigators and brokers who can guide customers through the coverage options available and help determine if they qualify for financial assistance. Computer work stations will also be on-site for those who want to use Washington Healthplanfinder to shop for a plan and sign up for coverage.

“Applied Team Insurance is excited about the opportunity to meet the needs of our Clark County residents for the 2017 open enrollment period with our new storefront access,” said Rachel Lauser of Applied Team Insurance. “Our goal is to be available to all consumers who need assistance navigating the enrollment and renewal process for both Qualified Health Plans and plans selected through Washington Apple Health.”

“We are looking forward to providing the Spokane area a one-stop shop for gaining health insurance,” said Curt Fackler, Navigator Program Manager for Better Health Together. “Our skilled broker and navigator team hope to make the experience as easy as possible for our customers. Whether you need a little help or a lot, we will be there to guide you through the process.”

Residents are encouraged to schedule appointments now to meet with a navigator and broker at a storefront location once open enrollment begins on Nov. 1. Contact information for scheduling an appointment at one of the full-service enrollment centers are as follows:

All Washingtonians have access to free in-person assistance through the Exchange’s network of trained navigators and brokers. Located throughout the state, navigators and brokers provide help to residents that includes determining how well their current health plans worked and exploring new coverage options available during open enrollment.

Residents can locate a navigator or broker in their area by clicking the “Customer Support” link on www.wahealthplanfinder.org.  Additional customer support can be received 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.

About Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses 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 open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder is Nov. 1, 2016 to Jan. 31, 2017.

About the Washington Health Benefit Exchange

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a public-private partnership established in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) to implement a new health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses. The Exchange is separate from the state and governed by an independent 11-member board. For more information, visit www.wahbexchange.org.