Opinion Editorial by Bruce Chandler: Navigating Changes in Federal Health Care

OLYMPIA, Wash., Sept. 27 -- The Washington House Republicans issued the following news release:

Regardless of how concerned we may be about federal health care reform, also known as Obamacare, Congress has not repealed it and the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld it. Washington and every other state in the union is moving forward with implementation.

This major change to how health insurance is delivered in our state has created confusion and uncertainty for individuals, families and small-business owners. I'd like to provide some information and updates on what is happening and how it affects you.

Starting Oct. 1, open enrollment will begin for individuals and families who qualify to participate in the Health Benefit Exchange (also referred to as the Washington Healthplanfinder) or Medicaid expansion. The Exchange is a place for competing insurance companies with a variety of plans to provide you health insurance. Families and individuals qualify for Exchange subsidies and Medicaid expansion based on their income level and family size. For example, a family of four making less than $32,500 annually can qualify for free health insurance, while a family of four making up to $90,000 can qualify for subsidized health insurance. To find out your eligibility status, visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org or call toll-free 1-855-WAFINDER (92346337).

Part of this federal health care reform that created great concern was that individuals and families are now mandated to have health insurance. Because of this, if you don't currently have health insurance, you can apply through the Exchange until March 1, 2014 to choose a plan that fits your health needs and budget. Private market health plans will also continue to be available. Unfortunately, those who fail to apply for health coverage may be fined.

In the process of accepting various insurance plans to the Exchange, the overregulation of health care in our state has proven to impact price and competition. As I write this, seven insurance companies have been approved to offer 46 plans in Washington. If not for our state's long list of mandates prior to Obamacare, more choices could have been offered to individuals and families. Meanwhile in Oregon, 11 insurance companies will be providing 102 plans to choose from.

Although we didn't need to take this route to reform health care and insurance, and there were other options offered to reduce costs and provide greater access, we must understand our options moving forward in what the federal government has handed down.

You can find out more about the Health Benefit Exchange online at www.wahealthplanfinder.org or by phone at 1-855-WAFINDER (92346337). As your state representative, I not only vote on your behalf in Olympia, my office serves as a resource on this and other statewide issues. Please don't hesitate to contact my office in Olympia at [email protected] or call (360) 786-7960. It is an honor to serve you.

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