By Aaimee Johnson

There will be plenty of time to explore the options during open enrollment for insurance coverage through the Washington State Exchange.

The first open enrollment [period] lasts six months beginning October 1, 2013 and running until March 31, 2014. Approved coverage begins January 1st 2014.

In order to help our community navigate the website and complete the application, representatives from Orcas Family Connections, Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Library, Orcas Island School District, Orcas Fire and Rescue, Orcas Medical Center, and Orcas Family Health Center are working on a collaborative effort to create access points where Certified Application Counselors, volunteers, and computers will be available.

More information will be published and circulated when the plan is complete.

In the meantime, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange website
(www.wahbexchange.org) is available with a wealth of information.