Washington Health Benefit Exchange Issues Statement on 2021 Health Insurance Plan Filings

WASHINGTON, June 2 -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following statement by CEO Pam MacEwan regarding the proposed 2021 health insurance rates for Washington state announced by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

"The Exchange has received the proposed rates from the OIC for health carriers planning to participate in the Exchange in 2021. The filings include new plans participating in Cascade Care with public option offerings.

"We were pleased to see new carriers entering the Exchange market and interest in Cascade Care. This speaks to our market's stability and brings more options to Washingtonians.

"The Exchange will feature Cascade Care health plans this fall, including the nation's first public option health insurance plans. The number of Cascade Care applicants demonstrates that Washington continues to be a stable and attractive market for health insurance carriers. The 2021 plan offerings will bring choice and value to all our state's counties giving consumers more services before the deductible and enabling consumers to find coverage that better meets their needs. This year is another step toward addressing consumer affordability in a complex health system.

"Moving forward, the Health Care Authority's public option procurement is ongoing and there is work to do before announcing successful vendors. Given the impacts of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, these health plan offerings become that much more important. We look forward to working with all parties to bring these new plans to market."

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

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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. The next qualified health and dental plans open enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder begins on Nov. 1, 2020.

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 passed in 2010, more people have access to preventive care, such as 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.