First thanks to everyone who wrote with support and suggestions. I was really panicking and knowing people were on my side really helped. Secondly, It turns out that the legislature of Washington State just passed Saturday a unanimous emergency bill dealing with this particular insurance company closing. In Washington State there are exemptions from having to pass the standard questionaire, and they just added the termination of an individual insurance plan to the list of exemptions. Although it would be unlikely for our Governor (Gregoire) to veto it, if you happen to live in Washington State, it would be great if you could call the Governors office and ask (very politely) that she sign it. First, it will keep a whole lot of people in Washington State from becoming uninsured, and while it is terrible for anyone to be uninsured, something that will prevent the problem getting a lot worse very quickly is good. Second, once she signs it, my ass is saved, at least for this year.
If you are in Washington State, please Call or Fax Governor Christine Gregoire Phone: 360-902-4111 | FAX: 360-753-4110 Ask her (very very politely) to please sign SB6412 which adds termination of an individual insurance plan to the reasons someone seeking health insurance can be exempt from the standard health insurance questionaire.
Given that it passed both houses of the legislature unanimously she will probably sign it, but you never know for sure with politicians and a wave of phone calls saying "sign. sign. sign" won't hurt, and might make sure no last minute changes of mind occur. I just learned of it when I called the State health insurance commissioner's office this morning.