More savings than ever before available on Washington Healthplanfinder

For the past decade, Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) has worked diligently toward the goal of radically improving how Washington residents secure health insurance. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1, Washingtonians seeking a health plan for 2023 can shop, compare, find new savings opportunities, and enroll by visiting Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s health insurance marketplace.

“With the extension of federal subsidies and the introduction of Washington’s state-funded subsidy, Cascade Care Savings, more financial assistance is available for plans purchased through Washington Healthplanfinder than ever before,” Exchange interim CEO Jim Crawford said. “We encourage everyone to visit Washington Healthplanfinder to shop for the plan that best fits their needs and find out what savings they may qualify for.”  

The annual open enrollment period allows all new and existing Washington Healthplanfinder customers the opportunity to sign up or change their health plan for the upcoming year. People seeking a health plan with a Jan. 1 start date need to enroll by Dec. 15. Those who enroll between Jan 1 and 15 will have a start date of Feb. 1.

New this year, building upon the Exchange’s popular Cascade Care plans is Cascade Care Savings. Intended for Washington households making up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) — generally low-wage and part-time workers — these savings are available to those enrolled in Cascade Care Silver and Gold plans offered exclusively on Washington Healthplanfinder. Cascade Care Savings enables most eligible customers to get a high-quality plan for less than $10 a month. And for the first time in Washington Healthplanfinder history, customers can find plans with $0 monthly premiums.

In 2021, federal tax credits were increased nationally, reducing monthly premiums for millions of Americans. This allowed access to premiums less than $100 for nearly half of Washington Healthplanfinder customers. In August of this year, those enhanced tax credits were extended through 2025 and will continue to benefit Washingtonians. More than 75% of Washington Healthplanfinder customers currently receive some form of financial assistance to help pay for their monthly premiums. These extended subsidies, in combination with Cascade Care Savings, will create an unprecedented opportunity for Washington residents to get health insurance.

Also new this open enrollment, the federal government fixed a regulatory flaw known as the “family glitch,” allowing for new savings for some families. Starting Dec. 1, families with offers of employer coverage are encouraged to update or submit an application in Washington Healthplanfinder to find out whether they are newly eligible for savings on their health care plan.

“Now is the time to visit Washington Healthplanfinder to shop and compare 2023 health plans and savings available to you,” Crawford said. “It is a great year to explore your options, and we are here to help — online, on the phone, and in-person through navigators, brokers and community partners.”

Local leaders to highlight Cascade Care Savings at University of Washington, Nov. 2

Public Health – Seattle King County is hosting an open enrollment event at University of Washington’s Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Culture Center. Crawford will join Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. David Frockt, Rep. Eileen Cody and Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County Dr. Faisal Kahn to highlight the state’s new financial assistance program Cascade Care Savings and encourage enrolling a health plan next year through Washington Healthplanfinder.

WHEN: 2:30–3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022
WHERE: Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, University of Washington
                3931 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington 98105

Need help enrolling in a health plan for next year?

The Exchange partners with a network of brokers, navigators and enrollment centers across the state. Visit Washington Healthplanfinder’s Virtual Help Details page for more information and to find an assister near you.

Customers can also enroll in 2023 coverage online from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, by visiting wahealthplanfinder.org, or by calling the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633. Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center will have extended hours during open enrollment. The center will be open and ready to aid customers from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on the weekends and holidays. The following adjustments have been made to the center’s schedule; extended hours are subject to change:

• Additional open hours:
  • Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight
  • Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Closed on the following days:
  • Nov. 24-25 – Native American Heritage Day/Thanksgiving
  • Dec. 25-26 – Christmas Eve
  • Jan. 1-2 – New Year’s Day

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

About Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. The next open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder will begin on Nov. 1. Enrollment reports and data are available from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

About Washington Apple Health

In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act launched in October 2013, more people have access to preventive care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority, www.hca.wa.gov