We all know that health and food issues go hand in hand. Our member food banks and meal programs play a vital role in making sure that the people who rely on food programs also know about their health care options. This blog post seeks to share resources with our member agencies that will help them make more resources available to their clients.
Starting November 1, Washington Healthplanfinder will be ready for open enrollment again! This means that individuals who signed up for insurance through the state’s insurance exchange last year need to renew or sign up for a new plan. It also means that anyone who is in need of insurance has an opportunity to sign up for insurance for the first time.
There are a number of ways your agency can help make sure individuals in your community get signed up or are able to continue their coverage. There are a variety of posters, flyers, and pamphlets you can download to print or order to put up at your agency, including information translated to Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. To find out about bringing an in-person assister to your program, to assist clients who have questions about signing up, or any other questions about coverage in your county, contact your local lead organization:
- Clallam: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Cowlitz: Cowlitz Family Health Center
- Grays Harbor: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Island: Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement
- Jefferson: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- King: Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Kitsap: Kitsap Public Health District
- Lewis: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Mason: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Pacific: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Pierce: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- San Juan: Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement
- Skagit: Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement
- Snohomish: Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement
- Thurston: CHOICE Regional Health Network
- Wahkiakum: Cowlitz Family Health Center
- Whatcom: Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement
Due to the expansion of Medicaid to low-income adults, there are many who still may not know they are able to sign up for Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program. They can sign up at any time during the year if they become eligible, but need to do so through the Healthplanfinder. There are additional publications and materials for download or order including materials translated to the same eight languages listed above.
Want to promote this opportunity but aren’t sure how? Contact Katharine Ryan in Food Lifeline’s Public Policy Department to brainstorm opportunities that will work for your organization.
