May 6, 2020

Statewide Response Updates

New mental health and coping infographics available on state website: Several new infographics have been developed to help residents cope with various COVID-19 challenges. All of the infographics can be found on the state’s coronavirus.wa.gov website under the Partner Toolkit here: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/spread-facts/partner-toolkit/infographics-color [lnks.gd]

The new ones are:

• Building coping skills: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-BuildingCopingSkills.pdf
• Coping with financial stress: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-CopingWithFinancialStress.pdf
• It is OK: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-ItIsOkay.pdf
• Suicide warning signs: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-SuicideWarningSigns.pdf
• Supporting Kids and Teens: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/COVID-19-SupportingKidsandTeens.pdf

Statewide News Items 

Washington Healthplanfinder Urges Uninsured to Act Fast to Meet Friday Deadline: As part of the state Coronavirus response, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is urging individuals who did not secure health insurance for 2020 to sign up for coverage by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, the deadline of the limited-time special enrollment period through Washington Healthplanfinder for coverage beginning May 1, 2020. “Now is the time to sign up for health coverage if you are currently uninsured,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “There are many resources available to help individuals understand their options and secure health coverage before the special enrollment period ends.” Individuals who need help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627- 9604. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.html

The Exchange is also reminding people that even after May 8, individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income, or experienced another qualifying event can continue to visit WAHealthplanfinder.org or use the WAPlanfinder Mobile App to sign up online.

Resources

Washington 211 COVID-19 Call Center: Do you need information or answers to your questions and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? You can call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.