Last-minute shoppers for public health plans in Spokane County can seek help Saturday

Help is available Saturday in Spokane for those pushing the deadline to sign up for a public health plan in 2019.

The offices of Better Health Together, in the business park at 1206 N. Lincoln St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the last day Washington residents have to sign up during open enrollment for insurance next year.

“A lot of people wait until the last minute,” said Alicyn Elder, navigation manager for Better Health Together.

The open enrollment period is ending a month earlier this year compared to last year. There’s also one fewer provider available for Spokane County residents to choose from, though there are still multiple options available, Elder said.

Those seeking assistance should come with information about their income and any immigration paperwork, Elder said, to help speed along the process. Residents can also seek assistance by calling the office at (509) 321-7500, or visiting the state’s public health exchange website at wahealthplanfinder.org. The deadline to sign up for a new plan is the end of the day Saturday.