OLYMPIA – The Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is warning customers without 2020 coverage that Sunday, Dec. 15 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 open enrollment period began, more than 187,000 Washingtonians have already selected 2020 Qualified Health Plans (QHP) using Washington Healthplanfinder, including around 15,000 residents who signed up for health coverage over the past week. With traffic to the Washington Healthplanfinder website expected to continue rising, customers needing 2020 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 Michael Marchand, Exchange chief marketing officer. “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 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Exchange Customer Support call center based in Spokane Valley (1-855-923-4633) is open extended hours to assist those signing up for coverage by the deadline for Jan. 1 coverage.

The Exchange highly encourages customers to update their information, take advantage of our resources, and shop plans as other affordable options may be available starting November 1. To find the Navigator or broker nearest you use the WAPlanfinder app or go to Washington Healthplanfinder.