An informational meeting to explain the federal Affordable Healthcare Act and Washington State’s newly created healthcare plan exchange will be scheduled as soon as a bit more information is available, according to speakers at the Sept. 13 social services Roundtable meeting in Twisp.

Erin Flahive and Lori Valentine, client service specialists at Room One, the valley’s social services center, said they will be “helping uninsured people get healthcare.”

The healthcare act requires everyone to have health insurance coverage by 2014, said Valentine. There will be a three-month enrollment period starting Oct. 1. Native Americans and Native Alaskans are exempt from the requirement although they can apply for insurance. The incarcerated and those who don’t file tax returns are the other two exempt categories, she added.

A Washington Health Plan Finder website has been created, Flahive said. Some applicants will qualify for tax credits, and Room One will offer assistance to those who want subsidized health insurance.

“We’ll present options, unbiased information and answer questions,” she said. Those applying for subsidized insurance need to enroll online, have an email address and will have to pay via credit or debit card or by electronic check, she added.

“Parents will have to get and pay for dental and vision insurance for their children,” Flahive added.

She also explained that the state Dept. of Social and Health Services will continue to be responsible for working with traditional federal Medicaid recipients.

However, Washington Apple Health is a newly created state expansion of Medicaid for individuals and families with incomes at 138 percent of the federal poverty level or below, she explained.

Those who don’t qualify for subsidized plans will select coverage through the state insurance exchange. (Except for Medicare recipients who will continue to receive Medicare and have medigap plans.)

Flahive said In Okanogan County, there will be three providers offering numerous plans.

Asked who will enforce the health insurance requirements, Flahive said the Internal Revenue Service will be the enforcement arm. There will be questions related to health insurance on future tax forms.

For more information go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org