The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is urging 2014 Qualified Health Plan customers who have not yet renewed their coverage for 2015 to return as soon as possible to continue their health plan this year.

Customers who were unable to renew by the Dec. 23 deadline or were unaware of additional action needed on their account may be eligible for a special 60-day enrollment opportunity. These customers should fill out an online form to initiate eligibility for retroactive coverage that begins on Jan. 1. These applications will be reviewed by Exchange staff to ensure that eligible individuals are able to receive retroactive coverage.

“There is still time to come back and get enrolled, but time is running out,” said Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

“Customers should contact us as soon as possible if they need assistance with their application.”

Exchange data shows that up to 4,000 customers have completed an application for 2015 coverage but did not submit payment by the Dec. 23 deadline for coverage that began on Jan. 1. The next deadline for these customers to submit payment for 2015 coverage is Jan. 23 by 4:59 p.m. for coverage that begins on Feb. 1. The open enrollment period ends on Feb. 15, 2015.

“We have seen communications from insurance companies that may have caused renewing customers to misunderstand what was required of them regarding the renewal process,” said Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “We urge these customers to take immediate action to verify they have confirmed their plan selection and submitted their payment to ensure their coverage continues into the New Year.”

Customers who are unsure of their current enrollment status should review their online account or contact the toll-free Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633. Local navigators and insurance brokers can be located viawahealthplanfinder.org and are available to answer questions.

The Exchange will send out additional notices via email or mail to customers who had 2014 coverage with more information regarding the current status of their application.

“Any Qualified Health Plan customer who experienced confusion around the renewal process – especially those who were unaware that additional action was needed on their account — should take advantage of this special enrollment opportunity,” said Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “We want to ensure that customers are receiving accurate information to avoid any impact to their coverage.”

Reminders: Enrollment in Washington Healthplanfinder Business and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is year-round. Apple Health customers will receive a notice 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

Residents interested in signing up for health coverage may visitwww.wahealthplanfinder.org.