Washington Health Benefit Exchange: There's Still Time Left to Shop and Save on 2024 Health Plan With Washington Healthplanfinder

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- The Washington Health Benefit Exchange issued the following news release:

Yesterday, Dec. 15, was the last day to buy a 2024 health plan for it to begin on Jan. 1, 2024, for all Washingtonians regardless of citizenship status. However, it's not too late for customers to enroll in, or change, their 2024 plan at Washington Healthplanfinder. If enrollment or a change in a plan happens by Jan. 15, coverage can start on Feb. 1.

"Across the nation and here in Washington state, ACA plan enrollments during this open enrollment are at record high levels, due to the Medicaid unwind and the continuation of enhanced federal subsidies," said Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of Washington Health Benefit Exchange. "We started this open enrollment with more than 30,000 former Medicaid (Washington Apple Health) enrollees and encourage others who are now above income for Apple Health to come in and shop at WAhealthplanfinder.org. Thanks to generous federal and state subsidies, people of low and moderate income can now find very affordable private, qualified health plans."

Thousands of Washingtonians have already visited Washington Healthplanfinder to secure their 2024 health insurance ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline. Additionally, several individuals and families chose to auto-renew into plans, and should their previous plan no longer be available, they're placed in a comparable plan. Approximately 70% of those who auto renewed into a 2024 plan through Washington Healthplanfinder can shop and switch to less expensive options and additional savings available. Every carrier on Washington Healthplanfinder has a Cascade Care plan.

For individuals and families who make 250% of the federal poverty level or less -- such as people earning minimum wage or working part-time -- there's Cascade Care Savings. These savings allow most eligible customers to buy a high-quality Cascade Care plan for less than $10 a month. And qualified health plans with a $0 monthly premium are available through Washington Healthplanfinder for customers who qualify for Cascade Care Savings. Cascade Care plans and Cascade Care Savings are available exclusively through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Up to 24,000 of Washington Healthplanfinder customers could receive Cascade Care Savings if they switch to a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan. Customers can find plans eligible for Cascade Care Savings discounts by filtering for Cascade Care Silver and Gold plans. You can identify Cascade Care plans by the Cascade Care logo next to the carrier's logo and the word "Cascade" appearing in the plan name.

Most people have insurance through their employer, Medicare or other government programs. If not, come into WAHealthplanfinder.org before January 15, to secure coverage for 2024.

Need help enrolling in a health plan?

The Exchange 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.

Customers can also enroll in 2024 coverage online from Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 15, 2024, 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. These hours go into effect Nov. 1, 2023, and end Jan. 31, 2024. The following adjustments were made to the center's schedule; extended hours are subject to change:

* Additional open hours:

- Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

- Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight

* Closed on the following days:

- Dec. 25 - Christmas Day

- Jan. 1 - New Year's Day

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice 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 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. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority, www.hca.wa.gov.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.wahbexchange.org/there-s-still-time-left-to-shop-and-save-on-2024-health-plan-wit/