Spokane nonprofit offers assistance for health insurance sign up

Better Health Together is offering free assistance to people who need to sign up for health insurance by Sunday’s open enrollment deadline.

Under the Affordable Care Act, tax penalties increase this year for individuals who can’t demonstrate that they have health insurance. Adults without health coverage face fines of $695, and families could be asked to pay $2,000.

People can stop by Better Health Together’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday for help finding a plan through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The nonprofit is located at 412 Spokane Falls Boulevard on Washington State University’s Spokane campus.

Navigators and brokers will be on-hand to help people review health plan options and determine their eligibility for financial aid to reduce the cost of coverage. People can also call (509) 321-7500 for assistance.

The Health Benefit Exchange’s customer support number is 1-855-923-4633. The support center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.