PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson Healthcare financial service office and navigators will provide information for the Washington Healthplanfinder insurance enrollment process that begins Nov. 1 for coverage starting Jan. 1.
Health insurance open enrollment for health coverage will end Jan. 31.
Navigators provide free, in-person support to help guide residents through the process.
This year, the penalty for not having a qualified health plan is $695 or 2½ percent of annual income, whichever is higher.
The hospital’s financial service office will be available two Saturdays monthly during the open enrollment period.
Jefferson Healthcare navigators will be available to help with enrollment by appointment Mondays through Fridays during regular office hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Appointments can be made now by calling 360-385-2200, ext. 2267.
No appointment is necessary during drop-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 6, Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 — all Fridays — at the Jefferson Healthcare South County Clinic in Quilcene, 294843 U.S. Highway 101.
Drop-in visits are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays as follows:
■ Nov. 7 — Jefferson Healthcare financial services at the hospital at 834 Sheridan St., Port Townsend. Enter through the main lobby.
■ Nov. 21 — Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock.
■ Dec. 5 — Jefferson Healthcare financial services.
■ Dec. 19 — Jefferson County Library.
■ Jan. 9 — Jefferson Healthcare financial services.
■ Jan. 16 — Jefferson County Library.
Four qualified health insurance issuers are in Jefferson County, according to Kate Burke, hospital marketing manager.
They are Coordinated Care, Lifewise, Moda Health Plan and Premera.
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced that every county in the state will see an increased number of health plan options this fall.
Health plans are reviewed and approved by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner as required under the Affordable Care Act to ensure that each plan meets the requirements for qualified health plans.
To find Washington Healthplanfinder, go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
For more on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, see www.wahbexchange.org.
For more about Jefferson Healthcare, see www.jeffersonhealthcare.org.