Today marked the last day of Open Enrollment 8. We are sure you can hear the collective sigh of relief as our hardworking Navigator Network eased back into a more normal pace of work.
Shortly after ending Open Enrollment 7 in January 2020, our Network picked up the pace again during a Special Enrollment Period, March 10 through May 12, assisting individuals who lost their coverage due to COVID. According to the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, 2020 saw a record number of enrollments, with more than two million Washingtonians enrolling in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) and Qualified Health Plans.
Our Network has faced unique challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally during enrollment periods, our Navigators would be assisting folks in person. This year, all outreach and appointments were handled virtually, which can, unfortunately, be a barrier for many of our most vulnerable populations. Our Navigators did their best to adjust to helping clients at a distance, while maintaining the excellent customer service they are known for.
As a response to COVID, this year’s standard Open Enrollment Period was extended several weeks, beginning on November 1, 2020, and closing on January 15, 2021. In total, the WA Health Benefit Exchange reported over 220,000 people enrolled in coverage during Open Enrollment. Our Access to Care team, along with the entire Navigator Network, assisted over 4,000 of these individuals in gaining or continuing their health coverage.
We continue to maintain an uninsured rate right around 6.1% for our region through this important work. Ensuring that as many of our residents have the coverage to get the care they need, which is especially important as the pandemic continues to rage in our eastern Washington communities.
The team will rest up a bit as they prepare for the upcoming Special Enrollment Period.
