Washington Health Benefit Exchange: Health Insurance Enrollment Sees Strong Growth for 2024 Through Washington Healthplanfinder

OLYMPIA, Washington, April 26 (TNSres) -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following news release on April 25, 2024:

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Nearly one-third of Washington residents receive access to their health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder

* More than 253,000 Washingtonians enrolled in a qualified health plan (QHP) through Washington Healthplanfinder for plan year 2024.

* Approximately 81% of QHP customers are receiving Cascade Care Savings (Washington's state subsidy) and/or are eligible for federal premium subsidies.

* Almost 90,000 people receiving Cascade Care Savings save an average of $514 per member per month in combined federal and state subsidies, for an average net premium of $68.

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Enrollment into health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder continues to grow, with a record number of more than 253,000 Washingtonians signing up for a plan for 2024. Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) released its Spring 2024 Enrollment Report today, reflecting upon the success of its most recent open enrollment period, which ran from Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 15, 2024.

"More Washingtonians were able to enroll in a health plan for 2024 than in any year before," Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. "With extended federal tax credits extending through to the end of next year, and expanded eligibility to cover more people than ever, Washington Healthplanfinder is now providing coverage for nearly one out of every three Washington residents under the age of 65."

This year, open enrollment began halfway through Medicaid redeterminations triggered by the end of the COVID public health emergency. Customers were able to retain health coverage, even if they no longer qualified for Medicaid.

For those who lost Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) eligibility in 2023, 90 percent of those who enrolled into a QHP, were eligible for federal subsidies to reduce their monthly premium.

"To further help with affordability, state-funded Cascade Care Savings is available to those who make 250% of the federal poverty level, which is around $36,000 for an individual and more than $62,000 for a three-person household yearly," Ulrey continued. "Cascade Care Savings has helped many Washingtonians secure health insurance for themselves and their families and has allowed many to keep their coverage after losing eligibility for Apple Health."

Open enrollment is an annual opportunity for Washingtonians to sign up for a qualified health or dental plan through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washington Health Benefit Exchange runs Washington Healthplanfinder, Washington state's health and dental insurance marketplace and helps to facilitate enrollment into Medicaid. Open enrollment for this year begins November 1, 2024. Those unable to sign up during previous open enrollment may qualify for special enrollment period thanks to various qualifying life events. Learn more about special enrollment at wahealthplanfinder.org.

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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, is available now for individuals and families experiencing life events outside of open enrollment. Next open enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2024.

Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

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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.

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REPORT: https://www.wahbexchange.org/content/dam/wahbe-assets/reports-data/enrollment-reports/240422%20Spring%20Enrollment%20Report.pdf

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Original text here: https://www.wahbexchange.org/health-insurance-enrollment-sees-strong-growth-for-2024-through-/