State health care coverage deadline extended for some; online glitches give applicants retroactive time

OLYMPIA — Those who began health care insurance applications but could not finish them by Tuesday’s deadline because of technical errors could have additional time to get it done, Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced.

Tuesday was the deadline to apply for health care coverage through www.wahealthplan finder.org.

Those who could not finish their applications because of technical errors associated with the Washington Healthplanfinder system may be eligible for a 60-day special enrollment opportunity through Feb. 23 to receive retroactive coverage that begins Jan. 1.

The retroactive option applies to applications started or submitted by 4:59 p.m. on Tuesday.

“We want to make sure that every eligible customer is able to receive Jan. 1 coverage,” said Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

Affected customers should fill out an online request form for Jan. 1 coverage at https://petition.wahealthplanfinder.org or call 855-923-4633.

Customers will receive a notification of their special enrollment period through email or mail.

They could be required to pay the full cost of treatment or prescription medications until retroactive coverage is confirmed with their insurance companies.

However, they will be entitled to reimbursement for covered services from covered providers in their health plan.

People may contact their health plan with questions about how to use their benefits before they receive their ID card.

Customers who are eligible for the special enrollment opportunity include, but are not limited to, those who were affected by a recent Deloitte cancellation error on Dec. 2, who received an incorrect tax credit calculation or who created an application by 5 p.m. Tuesday but experienced a Washington Healthplanfinder system error that prevented them from meeting the deadline.

Residents who are interested in signing up or renewing their Qualified Health Plan may visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org.

Enrollment in Washington Healthplanfinder Business and Washington Apple Health — Medicaid — is year-round. Apple Health customers will receive a notice 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

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