A record number of Washingtonians, more than 263,000, had their health insurance renewed or newly signed-up for a plan since open enrollment began on Nov. 15. This does not include those who are on Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). More than 55,000 Washingtonians also renewed their dental insurance, while more than 21,000 newly signed-up for dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washingtonians have until Jan. 15 to sign-up for a 2024 health or dental plan through Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment.
“More Washingtonians than ever before are shopping, comparing and saving on health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder,” Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. “This includes, for the first time ever, our friends, family and neighbors who are undocumented; more immigrants are protecting themselves and their families by signing up for or renewing their health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder.”
The Exchange operates Washington’s online health insurance marketplace Washington Healthplanfinder, where those who do not receive insurance through an employer, spouse or through another source can shop, compare and sign up for health insurance. Washington Healthplanfinder is an integrated website, connecting one-in-four Washingtonians, regardless of their documentation status, to qualified health plans they can buy or Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), if they qualify.
Approximately 70% of Washingtonians who have had their 2024 health insurance renewed through Washington Healthplanfinder can still switch to a less expensive plan and find additional savings. For example, around 15% of Exchange customers with 2024 plans could benefit by switching to a Cascade Care Savings-eligible plan — a Cascade Gold or Silver plan. State-funded Cascade Care Savings is helping to reduce Cascade plans, which let customers pay less at the doctor’s office with more predictable costs.
Customers will find health and dental plans with a variety of cost-sharing options on Washington Healthplanfinder. There are also federal tax credits and state-funded Cascade Care Savings available to those who are eligible, to help reduce their monthly premiums. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to shop, compare and find 2024 health and dental insurance options.
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 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 end Jan. 31, 2024. The following adjustments were made to the center’s schedule; extended hours are subject to change:
• Additional open hours:
o Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
o Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight
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.
