The Washington Health Benefit Exchange today announced the selection of eight organizations to perform community outreach as part of a broader marketing and communications effort for Washington Healthplanfinder. The Exchange also launched a new TV advertisement today, as well as a mobile application for young adults to learn more about Washington Healthplanfinder.
The eight organizations, which include local non-profits, community clinics, training programs, faith-based organizations and other community groups, were chosen to help educate individuals about new health coverage options through their networks. Separate from the existing network of organizations that provide in-person enrollment assistance for vulnerable populations, these organizations will perform targeted outreach to a broader segment of the community by leveraging existing relationships with their members or consumers.
Organizations will share in the close to $700,000 in grant funds being provided by the Exchange. The organizations include:
- African American Reach and Teach Health Ministry
- Cornerstone Medical Services
- Korean Women’s Association
- Lifelong AIDS Alliance
- Northwest Workforce Council
- SEIU WA State Council
- South Sound 2-1-1
- Teen Feed
“We are proud to partner with these trusted community organizations to reach people where they are,” said Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “With their support, we are one step closer to enrolling the 1 million uninsured here in Washington in new health coverage options.”
Community outreach partners will be responsible for educating residents about Washington Healthplanfinder and connecting them to local resources to sign up for health insurance, such as in-person assisters, local insurance brokers or the toll-free Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER. The organizations’ established networks offer expertise at reaching specific populations across the state who may be difficult to connect with through advertising or media outreach.
“Each of these organizations will utilize their expertise to reach out to individuals who many not receive information about Washington Healthplanfinder through traditional means,” said Pam Cowley, Outreach Manager for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “Whether it’s through a food bank, phone line or community clinic, these partners will greatly augment our existing communications efforts.”
Washington State received the funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop the outreach program to serve residents in all areas of the state.
In addition to the selection of community outreach partners, Washington Healthplanfinder launched a third TV advertisement today, entitled “Robosaurus.” Similar to previous spots, the ad features the character of Chance – a little girl who personifies the gamble of going without health insurance.
This new ad tells the story of a mother who walks into her kitchen after her mischievous son places a metal toy dinosaur in the microwave oven. The other two television ads that began running in September will continue to air alongside “Robosaurus” as part of an integrated advertising campaign.
To reach young adults, Washington Healthplanfinder launched a new mobile informational mobile application this week for iPhone and Android. Created in partnership with a national nonprofit called The Young Invincibles, the free application provides information about the Affordable Care Act, frequently asked questions and answers, local provider search tools, and even a link to enroll in coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
All of these activities tie into a broader outreach campaign that includes grassroots activities, social media, business outreach, radio advertising, print advertising, outdoor advertising, and engagement with partners and media outlets throughout the state.
To view a list of the community organizations and their award amounts, please visit www.wahbexchange.org. To download the free mobile application, simply search for “Washington Healthplanfinder” in your App store.
For more information on enrolling in health coverage, please visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
