OLYMPIA — For the past seven years, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) has helped the people of Washington find health care coverage. One of the critical resources offered is the Exchange Navigator program.

The Navigator system is a hub of trust and the one place for customers and the community to go to for answers and find health coverage that best fit their needs.

The Navigator program was designated as part of the Affordable Care Act and created by the Exchange to help Washingtonians in need of health insurance. Last year alone, 200,000 people enrolled with the assistance of a Navigator.

The Exchange contracts with Lead Organizations across the state to build and manage networks of certified navigators—trained, certified assisters available to guide customers through the enrollment process. Today, there are 11 enrollment centers and 105 affiliated organizations with more than 800 Navigators ready to assist.

The steps to securing health care coverage can be complicated. Navigators can walk you through the process and explain how the system works.

Navigators are often the first and last person customers visit when exploring health insurance options and are viewed as a trustworthy source of enrollment assistance. Their annual training uniquely positions them to inform customers, making them aware of changes in the marketplace, tax credits and programs to lower the cost of insurance. Navigators also assist with other public programs and help customers maximize additional resources linked to their quality health plans.

Over the past month, the Exchange Navigator team attended in-service days hosted by lead organizations across the state.

The in-service days provided a platform for the Exchange Navigator team to share key information and updates on health care coverage plans in preparation for Open Enrollment. Ensuring Navigators and assisters are ready to provide equitable access to coverage for everyone.

Redefining people’s experience with health care is an Exchange goal. Dedication to customer service is the Navigators goal.

The Exchange highly encourages customers to update their information, take advantage of their resources, and shop plans as other affordable options may be available starting November 1.

Before Applying

Before starting the application process, gather all your information:

-Legal names of all household members

-Birthdates for household members

-Home and mailing address

-Social Security Number or immigration documents (Families which include unlawfully present immigrants may still apply)

-Income information (recent pay stubs, tax return, or W-2)

-Tax filing status

-Current health plan information

-Tribal membership (if enrolled in a federally recognized tribe)

Visit the Exchange for a complete step-by-step list of the application process from start to finish.

Dates and times

Open enrollment for 2020 plans begins November 1 through December 15. During this time the Exchange Customer Support call center based in Spokane Valley will be open normal operating hours and ready to receive calls from 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Additionally, extended hours scheduled:

November:

Open on November 11 (Veteran’s Day) and November 29 (the day after Thanksgiving)

December:

December 1 – 10: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

December 11 – 14 from 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

December 15 (Sunday) from 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.

December 16 – 30 from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Open on two Saturdays in December – the 7th and 14th (hours TBD)

Available resources

To find the Navigator nearest you: use the WAPlanfinder app or go to Washington Healthplanfinder.

Washington Healthplanfinder Chat will provide customers a platform to talk directly with customer support representatives—in English and Spanish—during business hours when they are logged into their user account.

To find in-person assistance at enrollment centers or through brokers and navigators search the online customer support center or call the Exchange Customer Support Center by phone at 1-855-923-4633 | TTY: 1-855-627-9604