Washington State: WA HealthPlan Finder Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1st w/increased access & savings

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Washington Health Benefit Exchange announces key dates and health insurance changes for 2025; enhanced federal premium tax credits and Cascade Care Savings expected to drive record high enrollment in 2025

Today, Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) announced open enrollment through wahealthplanfinder.org for individual health and dental plans for calendar year 2025. In preparation for the launch, Washington Healthplanfinder will be closed on Oct. 31.

• Open enrollment: Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025.

• Reminder: Enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, to begin coverage Jan. 1, 2025.

• Go to wahealthplanfinder.org to preview plans.

During open enrollment, all Washingtonians who do not get their health insurance through an employer, spouse or government program can visit Washington Healthplanfinder to shop, compare and purchase health and dental plans for next year.

“Your health is our priority,” Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. “And affordability is key. This year we expect upwards of 300,000 Washingtonians to secure health insurance through our market due to the continued availability of enhanced federal tax credits and Cascade Care Savings, our state subsidy program.”

Currently, Exchange customers who receive both federal premium tax credits and Cascade Care Savings pay an average premium of approximately $70 per month.

“In 2025, thousands of Washingtonians have a window of opportunity to gain access to affordable, quality health plans on the individual market,” Ulrey said. “Customers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity now as conditions could change in 2026. If Congress does not take action to extend the enhanced level of the federal premium tax credits established by the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021and if the state legislature does not continue funding for Cascade Care Savings in the 2025-27 biennial budget, customers could face significantly higher prices next year.”

2025 plan offerings – customers have choices

Washingtonian are encouraged to visit wahealthplanfinder.org now to preview plan offerings for 2025. Choices include 74 qualified health plans and nine qualified dental plans. 

Existing customers will be automatically renewed, and all customers are encouraged to shop and compare plans. Most Washington Healthplanfinder customers benefit from savings if they renew or switch into a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan during open enrollment.

New this year – all Washingtonians have access

For 2025, Washington Healthplanfinder’s exclusive Cascade Select (public option) plans are available statewide, with availability to customers in Lincoln and Gray’s Harbor counties for the first time. These plans cover more services before the deductible and, on average, have lower monthly premiums. 

For the second year, all Washingtonians, regardless of citizenship status can shop and purchase plans on Washington Healthplanfinder, and access Cascade Care Savings, if they are eligible. Starting this year and as a result of a recently issued federal rule, Washington residents who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those with related noncitizen statuses will also be eligible for federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

Tips for customers

Navigating health insurance options can be complicated. In addition to online shopping at wahealthplanfinder.org, customers can call the Exchange Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY: 1-855-627-9604) for remote support in multiple languages, or be connected with a trusted resource in their community by visiting Support in Your Area to find a nearby in-person assister. 

Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center has extended hours during open enrollment. The center will be open and ready to help customers from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on the weekends and holidays. The following adjustments were made to the center’s schedule; extended hours are subject to change: 

• Thursday, Oct. 31: Closed
• Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29 (Native American Heritage Day / Thanksgiving): Closed
• Saturday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 13: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 24: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed
• Tuesday, Dec. 31: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed
• Saturday, Jan. 11: 10. a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 15: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Monday, Jan. 20: Closed

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.