(The Center Square) – Boeing machinists who’ve been on strike nearly three weeks are getting some help from state taxpayers in the form of healthcare and dental coverage, which lapsed for them on Sept. 30, due to the walkout.
Thanks to a recently approved state law , striking workers are eligible to apply for health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s health benefit exchange program for residents who do not receive coverage through an employer.
“Individuals that are losing their health insurance due to a strike or labor dispute are able to come into Washington Healthplanfinder and have a special enrollment period,” explained Shawna Fish, associate director of communications and marketing with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
“This lets them come in and take a look at the plans that we have and pick one that works for them and their families,” Fish said during a Wednesday interview with The Center Square.
Fish said the last few days have been extremely busy dealing with striking machinists worried about coverage.