Plans certified to be sold on Washington Healthplanfinder beginning Nov. 1
Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board certifies 2024 plans Olympia
Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) Board certified 82 health insurance plans from a dozen carriers for plan year 2024. Additionally, the Board-certified 12 dental plans to be sold on Washington Healthplanfinder. Plans certified by the Exchange Board meet established criteria to be available on Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment, beginning Nov. 1.
“The good news is carrier participation in the individual market is stable; Cascade Care Select Plans (public option) are more affordable than ever; and standard plans make it easier for customers to shop and compare,” said Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey. “The bad news is, plans will be more costly overall in 2024, as premiums continue to rise, and federal and state subsidies remain flat. Again this open enrollment, the Exchange will support customers through Washington Healthplanfinder, our customer support center and our statewide network of navigators and brokers.”
Overall, the average monthly premium increase is 9 percent — or about $360 more per year — across the individual market. Increases of this magnitude cause significant challenges for customers seeking health insurance. We seek to help customers overcome these challenges by providing Cascade Care plans. Cascade Select plans remain some of the most affordable options on Washington Healthplanfinder. Cascade Select (public option) plans are now available in 37 counties, up from 34 in 2023. These plans are the least expensive Silver plan in 31 counties.
Cascade Care plans are popular, representing more than 60% of Exchange’s enrollment, with the fastest growing enrollment year over year. Enrolling in a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan may qualify customers for Cascade Care Savings. These savings are available for individuals and families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) — an annual income of $33,975 for a one-person household and $57,575 for a three-person household.
Washington Healthplanfinder customers have widely varied experiences when buying health insurance. For example, consider a 37-year-old Spokane Valley resident who was enrolled in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) in 2023. Upon redetermination, they were no longer eligible for Apple Health. They can get a 2024 Cascade Select (public option) plan with a $0 monthly premium, thanks to federal and state subsidies.
In contrast, a mature couple in Bellevue, who have too high of an income for federal or state subsidies, will pay more than $2,200 per month for their non-Cascade Gold plan premium. With a deductible of $5,000, copays and premium costs, this couple could be expected to pay $28,000 toward medical expenses in a year to treat a chronic illness, such as diabetes.
“We’re thankful for our carrier partners, Gov. Jay Inslee and Legislature for their continued support in expanding coverage to all Washington residents,” Ulrey said. “We look forward to working with our partners to continue providing Washingtonians access to low-cost, high-value health insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder.”
Washington Healthplanfinder’s open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024.
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. Open enrollment for Washington Healthplanfinder is from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024. Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
About Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called . 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, .