Workers who lose their health insurance due to a strike or labor dispute are eligible to apply for health and dental insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange thanks to new legislation, SB 5632, passed during the 2024 legislative session sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines).

Workers who lose health care coverage due to a strike now have a 60-day special enrollment period before and after employer coverage ends to shop for a health or dental plan on Washington Healthplanfinder.

For those Boeing workers now on strike, whose health care coverage is expected to end September 30th, that means they can apply for a plan immediately that will go into effect when their employer coverage ends at the end of the month.

Depending on factors such as household income and family size, workers shopping on Washington Healthplanfinder may qualify for savings that could lower the cost of their health care plan or even make it free.

“Striking workers and their family members need to know that they have a safety net and don’t have to give up their health care,” Keiser said. “Our health benefit exchange offers great options that can continue your health insurance coverage and save you money.”

“We spent years working to get this protection for striking workers passed into law, and people need to know that they can take advantage of this opportunity,” Keiser continued. “I want to thank Rep. Nicole Macri for her help getting this bill through the House and all of the legislators who worked to get this done.”

Workers applying for insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder should follow these instructions:

  • Visit wahealthplanfinder.org or download the WAPlanfinder mobile app.
  • Create or sign in to an account.
  • Fill out an application, report that there was a “loss of other coverage” and enter the last day of employer-sponsored coverage to open a special enrollment period.
  • Review plan options and select a new insurance plan to enroll in.
  • For assistance, select “Get Support” on the Healthplanfinder home page.
  • When employer-sponsored health care coverage resumes, make sure to cancel your plan with Washington Healthplanfinder.

Workers may also have the option to maintain employer-sponsored health care coverage through the federal COBRA program, but this is often the most expensive option. Workers should compare options on Washington Healthplanfinder before accepting COBRA coverage.