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Need health insurance? Deadline nears

| December 12, 2020 1:00 AM

Those looking to sign up for Idaho’s insurance exchange need to get their holiday shopping done early. Idahoans have until 10:59 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage through Your Health Idaho, the state’s insurance exchange.

“As expected after the Thanksgiving holiday, we have seen an increased interest from Idahoans looking to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage,” said Your Health Idaho executive director Pat Kelly. “To ensure consumers are getting the help they need, Your Health Idaho has expanded business hours through December and implemented new contact options.”

The Your Health Idaho customer support center has opened up its Monday – Friday hours from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. through December.

Additional phone and email support will be available today and next Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. These hours do not include curtailed hours of operation for holiday observances.

A full list of plans is available through the exchange at yourhealthidaho.org. With the enrollment deadline so close, Your Health Idaho is encouraging Idahoans to use the online window-shopping feature to browse and compare 2021 plans.

“When you visit YourHealthIdaho.org and answer a few simple questions, you can get an idea of what plans are available in your area, and more importantly, how much you can expect to pay for coverage next year,” said Kelly. “Then, when you are ready to enroll, we always recommend working with a Your Health Idaho-certified insurance agent or broker to choose your plan. They are the experts, and their help is completely free.”

Come Wednesday, after open enrollment ends, Idahoans will not be able to enroll in coverage unless they qualify for a special enrollment period, which enables marketplace shopping during major life events, such as marriage and divorce.

To speak with a Your Health Idaho representative, call 1-855-944-3246.