We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune.

Q: Are there new options on the health exchanges?

A: Yes, the WA & ID Health Exchanges are now open with new companies, plans and rates to choose from!  Pandemic business closures, employee layoffs, lost jobs and reduced work hours have impacted health insurance coverage for individuals and families.  Anyone who needs individual health insurance must apply during this open enrollment period to be accepted for subsidized coverage beginning in 2021 unless qualified for Medicaid or their health plan renews at a different time. 

Open Enrollment ends Dec. 15, 2020 in Idaho and has been extended to Jan. 15, 2021 in Washington state.  

IDAHO – For 2021 some health plan rates are down and others up but the average rates are only increased +1%. Your Health Idaho has a record number of medical and dental plans. For the first time, Regence BlueShield of Idaho is offering individual medical coverage through the Exchange.

WASHINGTON – Most customers will see that the average premium costs and deductibles of Exchange plans in 2021 are lower than previous years. In Area 9, Asotin and Garfield counties now have two approved Exchange carriers, Lifewise Health Plan and Coordinated Care Corp (Ambetter Cascade) to choose from.

Get Free Assistance

Idaho and Washington residents can get free assistance and a review at American Insurance to compare the new plans against other plans offered where you live. We invite you to contact our licensed health Agents for an appointment, Tim Gleason or Dave Root, by calling (208)746-9646, sending an email to Medical [at] Am-Ins [dot] com or visiting the contact us online to set an appointment today.