For Immediate Release: December 9, 2022

New first-in-kind federal waiver aims to improve access for uninsured Washingtonians

Starting in 2024, all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, can get health and dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, and access Cascade Care Savings Olympia, WA

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Treasury announced approval of Washington’s first-in-kind State Innovation Waiver under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (referred to as a “section 1332 waiver”). This section 1332 waiver authorizes Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) to expand access to health and dental plans through Washington Healthplanfinder, beginning in 2024.

More than 105,000 Washington state residents — nearly a quarter of the state’s total uninsured population — cannot access health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder due to federal restrictions related to their immigration status. Starting in 2024, all uninsured state residents – regardless of immigration status — will be able to access qualified health plans (QHPs) and stand-alone qualified dental plans (QDPs), and benefit from Cascade Care Savings (state subsidies that lower premium costs for customers up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL)).

“Health care should be accessible, affordable and delivered equitably to all. We are pleased to approve Washington’s Section 1332 waiver to expanded coverage and access to qualified health plans,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said. “We continue to support state innovation in the ACA Marketplaces that allow residents to enroll in affordable health plan that best fits the needs of themselves and their families.”

This section 1332 waiver, which allows all family members to purchase coverage together through the same plan shopping and enrollment process, will reduce the need for individuals and families in Washington to rely on less affordable or less comprehensive forms of coverage, or on costly emergency room services and uncompensated care.

“We appreciate the federal government’s recognition of our effort to expand our successful state-based marketplace,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “This waiver is an important step toward providing affordable health insurance coverage for all Washingtonians. Access to health care not only helps strengthen families, it also improves our overall health care system and our state economy.”

Washington’s waiver, submitted in May at the direction of the Washington Legislature, is overwhelmingly supported across multiple sectors. Hundreds of supportive public comments were received at the state and federal level by organizations representing local and national health insurance carriers; provider associations; community health clinics; consumer and immigrant advocacy organizations; elected officials; and Washington residents.

“We are thankful to our Board, the Governor’s office, Legislature, and all of the federal, state and community partners who have worked over the past year to provide access to health and dental coverage for all Washingtonians,” interim Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Jim Crawford said. “We now turn to the important work of building the necessary system changes to accommodate new customers and engaging with our community-based partners to inform upcoming implementation and outreach efforts.”   

This waiver approval is effective Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2028.

The approval letter, fact sheet and waiver application are available under “Washington” on the federal Section 1332 Waivers website. Additional waiver related materials are available on the Exchange Section 1332 Waiver Information website. 

What is a Section 1332 Waiver?

Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act permits a state to apply for a State Innovation Waiver to pursue innovative strategies for providing residents with access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. These waivers provide states with the opportunity to develop strategies that best suit their individual needs. Through innovative thinking tailored to specific state circumstances, states can lower premiums for consumers, improve market stability, and increase consumer choice.

In order for a section 1332 waiver to be approved, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Treasury must determine that the waiver meets statutory guardrails to provide coverage that is at least as comprehensive as the coverage provided without the waiver; provide coverage and cost-sharing protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending that are at least as affordable as without the waiver; provide coverage to at least a comparable number of residents as without the waiver; and not increase the federal deficit.

What is Cascade Care Savings?

Cascade Care Savings, available exclusively through Washington Healthplanfinder, is a state funded program for currently eligible Washingtonians making up to 250% of the FPL — generally low-wage and part-time workers — both those who are eligible for federal subsidies and those who are ineligible. This waiver does not affect eligibility for the federal premium tax credit (PTC).

Customers can sign up for Cascade Care Savings now through wahealthplanfinder.org. New savings will be applied when a customer’s 2023 coverage begins. Most customers who are eligible for Cascade Care Savings can find a high-quality Cascade Care plan for less than $10 a month. Cascade Care plans have lower deductibles and cover more pre-deductible services, including primary care visits, mental health services, and generic prescriptions. The federal waiver allows all eligible Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, to benefit from these savings beginning in 2024.

Need help enrolling in coverage for 2023?

Customers can 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 (open-enrollment deadline)
  • Closed on the following days:
    • Dec. 25-26
    • Jan. 1-2

The Exchange also 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.

 

Reminder: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).