Job Loss and Labor Disputes
If a worker loses their employer-sponsored health or dental insurance outside of open enrollment (Nov. 1–Jan. 15) due to a layoff or labor dispute (such as a strike, lockout, etc.), Washington Healthplanfinder has options to help them avoid a gap in coverage. Workers who lose or have lost their health or dental coverage have 60 days before or after their last day of employer-provided coverage to access a new plan through Washington Healthplanfinder.
On Washington Healthplanfinder, individuals and families can shop and compare health and dental plans. To help reduce the monthly cost of health insurance, federal and state subsidies may be available to those who qualify. Individuals may also qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health.
Questions and resources
Have questions? For more information about how to support workers in accessing health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, contact [email protected].
Learn more about services available to workers who have lost their employer-sponsored insurance:
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if the worker’s family is also losing coverage, they can get health and dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. They have up to 60 days before or after the worker’s last day of employer-sponsored health insurance to sign up for a plan.
Yes. Coverage typically starts the first day of the month following application and plan selection. To avoid a gap in coverage, an earlier start date can be requested. Earlier start date requests will be reviewed on case-by-case basis. For example, if a customer applies on March 10, their coverage will begin April 1. Coverage usually ends on the last day of the month after cancellation is requested. For example, if cancellation is requested on June 20, the plan’s coverage will end June 30.
If an individual no longer wants coverage, they can cancel their coverage by reaching out to the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633, or find help from a trusted resource in their community on Washington Healthplanfinder.
When employer sponsored coverage is regained, people will need to cancel their Washington Healthplanfinder coverage. For help canceling their coverage, they may reach out to the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 or .
When employer-sponsor coverage has resumed, it is important customers either cancel their Washington Healthplanfinder plan, or update their application to reflect employer coverage is being offered. Customers who have access to affordable employer coverage are not eligible for federal tax credits. If employer-sponsored coverage is resumed or offered again (even if the worker does not accept it), and the customer does not report the change, the federal government may require the customer pay back part or all of the federal tax credits they received.