Health reform is here and big changes are coming. Starting this fall, Washington residents will have a new way to find, compare and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage. It’s called Washington Healthplanfinder. Residents can find a health plan that meets their needs and budget. Enrollment begins on Oct. 1 for coverage that begins January 1, 2014.

The Kenmore City Council will be briefed on Sept. 9 on Coverage is Here King County—the countywide effort to enroll newly eligible residents in health insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The presentation will start at 7 p.m. at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE.

All health plans offered through Washington Healthplanfinder include basic benefits like doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, maternity care and preventive care like cancer screenings and vaccinations.

Free or low cost coverage is available. Depending on income, residents may qualify for free coverage or for tax credits or financial help to pay for copays and premiums. No one will be denied coverage because they are sick or because they have a pre-existing condition. Nearly 1,000 of Kenmore residents will be eligible for free insurance through a greatly expanded Medicaid program, and another over 1,000 will be able to take advantage of the subsidies available through the exchange. Overall, King County has 180,000 residents who are newly eligible for free or low-cost health insurance.

Purchasing insurance will be easier than ever, but many people will still have questions or need help with the online-based enrollment. In Kenmore, Center for Human Services, Open Arms Perinatal, Solid Ground and Washington Community Action Network will provide in-person enrollment assistance from October 2013 through March of 2014.

In addition, partners like the Northshore Baptist Church will hold enrollment events to raise awareness about the insurance options available to residents of Kenmore.

Upcoming Enrollment Events:

Oct. 4: Kenmore City Hall; 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 5: Kenmore Library; 1-5 p.m.

Nov. 2: Kenmore Library; 1–5 p.m.

Dec. 7: Kenmore Library; 1–5 p.m.

Jan. 4: Kenmore Library; 1–5 p.m.

Additional events will be available and regularly updated at www.kingcounty.gov/coverage.

Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/coverage or visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org to enroll.