Legislative history
Through a series of legislative bills passed by the Washington State Legislature, Washington Health Benefit Exchange has developed into a dynamic online marketplace for Washingtonians seeking health care coverage.
- 2011, establishes Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
- 2013, calls for Washington Health Benefit Exchange to be self-sustaining.
- 2016, enables family dental products to be available through Washington Healthplanfinder.
- 2018, reaffirms the Exchange as the state's health and dental coverage eligibility and enrollment portal, regardless of the federal health care landscape. House bill 2408 requires any carrier (as part of a holding company) that offers public employee or school employee coverage to also offer Exchange coverage in that county.
- 2019, creates the foundation for Cascade Care, which includes standard plans, the country’s first public option health plans, and plans to create a state premium assistance program.
- 2020, establishes the Health Care Cost Transparency Board, with the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange being a member of the 14-member board.
- 2021, refines Cascade Select, the public option plans and stands up the state premium assistance program. Senate bill 5399 establishes the Universal Health Care Commission, with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO being a member of the 13-member board.