Healthcare deadline approaching

The last chance to sign up for an Obamacare policy that takes effect in January is Dec. 23, though open enrollment will continue afterward.

While websites at the Federal level have been notoriously difficult to access, Washington has its own website (www.wahealthplanfinder.org), which has worked without problems.

To sign up, applicants will be asked for information used to verify who they are (name, address, SSN), information of individuals they plan to include on their policy, and current gross monthly income and some tax deductions they plan to claim for 2014.

Based on income information, different insurance plans will be offered by participating agencies (including both private companies and HMOs) and rates for deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance may be reduced, depending on income. An income tax credit may also be applied to monthly premiums, depending again on income, and can reduce rates by significant amounts for applicants earning very little.

To find out more, including how to contact a navigator, go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org, or call 1-855-923-4633 Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.