The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is reminding those individuals and families still needing to sign up for 2016 health coverage that they have until 11:59 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 31, to confirm the selection of a Qualified Health Plan through Washington Healthplanfinder.

As important, residents who fail to select a 2016 health plan face possible tax penalties from the IRS and could be required to wait until next  year to sign up for health coverage. The Exchange advises customers to take immediate action to review their health plan options and sign up for a Qualified Health Plan that best meets their needs and budget.

“With only a few days remaining until the Jan. 31 deadline, we are urging all those who have not selected a 2016 health plan to take the necessary steps to get covered,” said Pam MacEwan, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “Our customer support network is available now to help residents locate affordable health insurance options that meet their individual needs.”

Washingtonians who have not yet signed up for coverage may access assistance offered through the Exchange including:

• Online: wahealthplanfinder.org offers decision support tools to help customers explore and compare available health insurance options. Customers can search for plans by insurance company, out-of-pocket maximums, or metal level, and sort plans according to estimated premium cost or in-network options. Tips to consider when shopping for a plan online are available at knowyourplan.org.

• Over the Phone: Residents may call the toll-free Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633) every day through the close of open enrollment. The Customer Support Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. This weekend, representatives will be available on Saturday, Jan. 30from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

• In Person: Thousands of brokers and navigators are located throughout the state to provide customers with free personalized assistance. Nearby brokers and navigators can be located by zip code using the Customer Support link on wahealthplanfinder.org. In-person help can also be found at events held across Washington state through the end of open enrollment.

Through the first 12 weeks of open enrollment, more than 188,000 residents have selected a Qualified Health Plan for coverage in 2016. Those sign-ups represent a 30 percent increase in plans selected over the first 12 weeks of open enrollment last year.

“We have already seen an unprecedented number of residents select health plans, with 50,000 more Washingtonians signed up for coverage this year than last year,” said MacEwan. “We expect that number to continue to increase as we count down to the close of open enrollment.”

The deadline to sign up for Qualified Health Plan is 11:59 p.m. this Sunday, January 31. Residents who have not yet secured coverage for 2016 should visitwww.wahealthplanfinder.org.

Reminders: Enrollment in Washington Healthplanfinder Business and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is year-round. Individuals and families who do not qualify for those programs after Jan. 31 and before the next open enrollment require a qualifying life event to get a special enrollment for a Qualified Health Plan.

About Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The current open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder began on Nov. 1, 2015 and extends through this Sunday, Jan. 31.

About the Washington Health Benefit Exchange

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a public-private partnership established in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) to implement a new health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses. The Exchange is separate from the state and governed by an independent 11-member board. For more information, visit www.wahbexchange.org.