The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board today provided final certification of Qualified Health Plans to be offered through Washington Healthplanfinderduring the second open enrollment period. The open enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015, provides coverage starting Jan. 1, 2015.
Following initial approval by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) yesterday, theBoard certified 10 health insurance carriers at the monthly Board meeting to offer 82 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for individuals and families. Additionally, five insurance carriers will offer six pediatric Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs). Last year, eight health insurers were approved to sell 46 plans through Washington Healthplanfinder.
“We’re thrilled to see the number of available health plan options has doubled in one short year,” said Richard Onizuka, Chief Executive Officer for Washington Healthplanfinder. “Not only will these additional coverage options increase consumer choice, they will also foster competition among our participating health insurance companies.”
Every county in Washington State will see an increased number of health plans options during the next open enrollment period. Approved insurance companies that are new to the market include Columbia United Providers and Moda Health, Inc. (Moda). Platinum plans, which typically offer the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs for consumers, will be now be offered for the first time through BridgeSpan in 12 counties.
New health plans still under review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner include Health Alliance Northwest Health Plan, Inc., United Healthcare of Washington and Dentegra. If these additional health insurance companies are approved, the Board may provide final certification at a later date.
Approval from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and Board certification for these plans is required under the Affordable Care Act to ensure that each plan meets the requirements for Qualified Health Plans and the 10 Essential Health Benefits, including regular doctor’s visits, maternity care and hospital stays.
The following insurance carriers were approved to sell health and pediatric dental plans throughWashington Healthplanfinder:
- BridgeSpan Health Company
- Community Health Plan of Washington
- Columbia United Providers
- Group Health Cooperative
- LifeWise
- Moda Health, Inc.
- Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc.
- Premera Blue Cross
- Kaiser Health Plan of the Northwest
- Delta Dental of Washington, Dental Health Services, Kaiser Health Plan of the Northwest, LifeWise, Premera Blue Cross – (Pediatric Dental Only)
The small business market, Washington Healthplanfinder Business, will be available statewide for the first time this year with 23 different health plans. Plans will be available through Moda; in all counties while Kaiser Health Plan of the Northwest will continue to offer health plans to small businesses in Clark and Cowlitz counties.
Washington Healthplanfinder Business allows small business with up to 50 employees to compare plans, decide their contribution level and manage payment in one place. Eligible small business owners may also access tax credits when they enroll through Washington Healthplanfinder Business.
“We’ve seen tremendous interest from small business owners who would like to evaluate their options through Washington Healthplanfinder Business this year,” said Catherine Bailey, Director of Washington Healthplanfinder Business. “For the first time, small businesses across Washington will be able to enjoy the administrative ease, consolidated billing and broker support that’s available through the statewide marketplace.”
Eight additional multi-state plans must be certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder. Multi-state plans are provided by OPM and private insurance carriers to drive additional competition in health insurance marketplaces across the country.
More information about the health plans that will be offered on Washington Healthplanfinder is available by clicking here.
For more information about Washington Healthplanfinder, please visitwww.wahealthplanfinder.org.
