How to enroll in Health Exchange workshops, Kennewick & Pasco

The League of Women Voters of Benton and Franklin Counties is presenting a community forum on Affordable Health Care on Saturday, February 15.

This forum will be presented once in each of two locations:
• 10:00-11:30 AM at the Franklin County PUD Auditorium (1411 W. Clark St., Pasco)
• 2:00-3:30 PM at the Benton County PUD Auditorium (2721 W. 10th Ave, Kennewick).

The public is welcome, especially people interested in obtaining affordable health coverage through the Washington State health insurance marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, or those re-enrolling onto Washington Apple Health, the state’s new name for Medicaid.

Those attending will learn about: the no-cost or low-cost health insurance plans for which they may be eligible; the ten es-sential health benefits, such as preventive care with no co-pays, prescriptions, and maternity care; and how to get started using the online enrollment portal http://www.wahealthplanfinder.org and its many channels of customer support.

Experts will be present to answer questions, including Washington Healthplanfinder “navigators” trained in providing individualized, in-person assistance. Wes Luck-ey, Director of the local Navigator In-Person Assister program, will give an update on Washington State’s Health Benefit Exchange and explain the basics for signing up for health insurance.

The “individual mandate” is in effect this year; most people must have health coverage by March 31 or face a penalty on their income tax return.