Deadline for Jan. 1 health coverage is Friday

Washington has seen a rush of new sign-ups for health insurance in the final days to get coverage that starts Jan. 1.

Friday is the deadline to enroll in 2018 coverage in Idaho and on the federal health insurance exchange, Healthcare.gov. In Washington, enrollment will stay open until Jan. 15, but people must sign up by Friday to be covered on Jan. 1.

Though premiums rose on average more than 35 percent in both Washington and Idaho, exchanges in both states said enrollment has increased this year.

Washington HealthPlanFinder has had 40,000 new people apply for coverage this year, the exchange said in a news release.

To help people sign up before the deadline, the exchange website, wahealthplanfinder.org, and its customer service line, (855) 923-4633, will be available until 11:59 p.m. Friday.