In just the first year of expanded access under the federal Affordable Care Act, more than a third of the uninsured residents in King County have enrolled in a health insurance plan.

Now, King County is redoubling efforts to reach the remaining uninsured, as the state’s second open enrollment season launches tomorrow.

“Our ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach last season helped nearly 200,000 people in King County enroll in health insurance, cutting the rate of the uninsured by more than one third and providing a model for the nation,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The more people we help enroll this season, the stronger we make our region’s health and economy.”

During open enrollment, from tomorrow through Feb. 15, 2015, individuals can purchase health insurance plans through the Washington Healthplanfinder website or through the state’s help-line, at (855) 923-4633.

The county’s strategy builds on last year’s successes and brings new ways to assist those who need help enrolling. For example, this year, the enrollment season kicks-off with two events at major shopping malls, where the public can find in-person help, in multiple languages:

• Southcenter Mall (food court): 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

• Crossroads Mall — Bellevue: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 and noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 23

Additional updates this year include:

• Increased consumer choice — now eight insurance carriers offer plans in King County, totaling more than 60 plans

• Small businesses now can purchase insurance for their employees through the Healthplanfinder, allowing more employee options and access to a tax credit for eligible employers

• Low-income consumers will be able to sign up for a new Metro transit “Low Income Fare Card” at the same time they enroll in health insurance (the new fare cards will be delivered for the implementation in March 2015)

• Experts from Public Health—Seattle & King County will provide rapid technical assistance for “Navigators” in the field, bolstering their capacity to assist consumers

• Special “Health Insurance Workshop” events designed for consumers who want to enroll independently online, but may need some guidance through the process

The Public Health department is coordinating nearly 100 outreach locations this month, which will be staffed by local organizations with certified in-person assisters, called “Navigators.”

Coordinated outreach through a network of community organizations, with deep roots in targeted communities, proved successful in the first enrollment season — and provided a model that’s been heralded nationally.

Those who do not enroll in a health insurance plan in 2015 may be subject to a fine of $325 per individual or up to two percent of their income, whichever is greater.

For further information:

• Get help and find all King County enrollment events: www.kingcounty.gov/coverage

• Direct link to enrollment assistance calendar: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/coverage/calendar.aspx

• Learn more about King County’s enrollment efforts: www.coverkingcounty.com/

• Enroll directly at www.wahealthplanfinder.org