The Washington Health Benefit Exchange today is warning customers without 2017 coverage that this Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to sign up for health and dental plans through Washington Healthplanfinder that begin on Jan. 1.

Since the start of open enrollment, more than 180,000 Washingtonians have already selected 2017 Qualified Health Plans (QHP) using Washington Healthplanfinder,including nearly 20,000 residents who signed up for health coverage over the past week. With traffic to www.wahealthplanfinder.org expected to continue rising, customers needing 2017 coverage are directed to submit an application and lock in their plan selection immediately to avoid any potential delays.

“It is important customers act now in order to secure coverage that begins on Jan. 1,” said Pam MacEwan, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “Help is available to all Washingtonians needing to go through the plan selection process. We encourage residents to utilize the Exchange’s customer support resources to select health and dental coverage that begins as soon as possible.”

Outside the standard weekday operating hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Customer Support Center (1-855-923-4633) will be open from 8 a.m. to midnight this Fridayto assist those signing up for coverage by the deadline for Jan. 1 coverage. Additional resources available online at www.wahbexchange.org include shopping tipsand information on all-new dental plans available through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Customers needing last-minute help can also access in-person assistance at full-service enrollment centers and enrollment assistance affiliates located throughout the state. Locations in Bellevue, Renton, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Wenatchee and Yakima are staffed with trained navigators and brokers to help customers to review their coverage options and help determine if they qualify for financial help.

Additional in-person assistance is being provided at enrollment events held now through the Dec. 23 deadline for Jan. 1 coverage. Residents can also connect with navigators and brokers in their area by clicking the “Customer Support” link on www.wahealthplanfinder.

Residents who do not need coverage that begins at the start of the New Year have until the close of open enrollment on Jan. 31 to secure health and dental plans. Customers who sign up by Jan. 23 will have coverage that begins on Feb. 1. Plans selected between Jan. 24 and 31 will begin on March 1.

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.