Open Enrollment

Insurance plan information

Consider your health plan options during open enrollment

We are included in many health insurance plans. Since plan coverage can change, check with your health insurance company for specific information.

Important dates you need to know about open enrollment:
  • Medicare Annual Election Period is Oct. 15, 2017 - Dec. 7, 2017
  • Employer open enrollment dates vary – check with your employer for the exact dates.
  • 2018 Health Benefit Exchange open enrollment period is Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2017 – however, some states are extending the time that people have to buy health insurance or change health plans. Currently, those states are:
    • California – Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
    • Colorado – Nov. 1 to Jan. 12
    • D.C. – Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
    • Massachusetts – Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
    • Minnesota – Nov. 1 to Jan. 14
    • Washington – Nov. 1 to Jan. 15

Make sure nothing’s missing from your health care

You’ve come to rely on us as your partner in health. The choices you make during open enrollment can affect your costs, the services you receive, and the doctors or hospitals you’re able to use. We can help simplify your decision-making – whether you’re enrolled in a Medicare plan, get insurance through your employer or need to buy individual health insurance coverage.

Choose the option below that meets your needs:

Choosing insurance through your employer

If you receive health insurance for yourself and your dependents through your employer, contact your benefits department to find out when open enrollment starts. You may be eligible to change health plans if you want to receive care from us. Employers typically contract with one or more health plans for their employees, and individual contribution rates can vary by plan. Plan offerings can change from year to year, so look for the plan with the benefits, physicians and facilities that best fit the needs of your family. Check with your employer to see what plans are offered through work.

What are my Medicare options?

The Medicare Annual Election Period runs from October 15 - December 7. If you are 65 or older, this is the time you can change your Medicare plan, enroll in a new plan, and add or drop Medicare Part D prescription coverage.

 

Visit our Medicare pages to find out about your options and for information on opportunities to meet with a licensed independent insurance agent that can walk you through your choices. You can also contact 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov for more information and assistance.

 

Medicare pages:

Washington

California

Montana

 

Buying insurance on your own?

If you’ve been receiving care from us, it makes good sense to continue your care with us. You’ll be able to continue seeing physicians who are familiar with you and your family, and you’ll have the same access to advanced medical technology. In addition, your medical records will be readily available.

If you’re planning on buying your own insurance from your state exchange, visit our directory to explore which plans are offered in Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, and Alaska.

Or visit your state’s exchange web site:

Provider networks vary by plan. Check with your insurance company to make sure your provider is in-network.

What if I have Medicaid?

If you qualify for Medicaid you may apply for insurance coverage at any time during the year.
  

Washington

In Washington, you can apply through the Washington Healthplanfinder.

Oregon

In Oregon, you can apply through OregonHealthCare.gov.

California

In California, you can apply through CoveredCA.com.

Montana

In Montana, you can apply through HealthInsurance.org.

Alaska

In Alaska, you can apply through HealthInsurance.org.


What if I don’t have insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, everyone is required to have health insurance or risk paying a tax penalty. Fortunately, if you don’t have health insurance because you can’t afford it, you may be eligible for a subsidized insurance. 


If you’re uninsured and getting new coverage, or if you were on your spouse’s company plan but are being dropped from that coverage, you can purchase a plan directly from a health insurance company, or you can go through the state Health Benefit Exchange. You also can go online to see if you qualify for a lower-cost, subsidized plan.