CMS Approves of State of Washington Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration
April 14: CMS approved an amendment to the State of Washington's Medicaid section 1115(a) demonstration, titled “Medicaid Transformation Project." Approval of this demonstration amendment includes several improvements, like historic continuous eligibility for Medicaid children from the point they become eligible until they reach age six, regardless of income fluctuations or changes that would affect eligibility. The demonstration also expands the definition of transportation so eligible program participants can gain access to benefits, including community services and activities based on their service plan.
So far, so good; that's a pretty big deal, especially as we're in the middle of the Medicaid Unwinding process nationally.
However, there's a rather curious provision at the end of the announcement:
One of the most inane restrictions of the ACA in my view, as I noted in my "If I Ran the Zoo" wish list back in 2017, is that it doesn't allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in ACA marketplace health plans ("Qualified Health Plans" or QHPs).
I don't just mean that they aren't eligible for federal financial subsidies--that's a prohibition which I can at least understand, even if I don't agree with it. I mean that they aren't allowed to enroll in ACA exchange-based QHPs even at full price, as noted in Section 1312(f)(3):
Special enrollment remains open for those who qualify for, but are not enrolled in, Cascade Care Savings
More than 60% of Washington Healthplanfinder customers are in a Cascade Care plan
Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) released its 2023 Enrollment Preview Report today. Nearly 231,000 customers signed-up for a 2023 qualified health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, including 37,000 new customers.
“We had our highest net enrollment gain and launched the new Cascade Care Savings during open-enrollment for 2023, resulting in our highest percentage of subsidized customers and highest percentage of plan switching,” Exchange interim CEO Jim Crawford said.
The exact QHP total, according to the preview report, was 230,800, down 3.7% from the 2022 Open Enrollment Period.
Washingtonians who qualify for Cascade Care Savings can still sign up and save
The wait is over — Cascade Care Savings is here! Open enrollment may have ended but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you haven’t purchased a plan. A new special enrollment period is available to individuals and families who make up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
“Cascade Care Savings has opened the door for thousands of Washingtonians to secure high-quality health insurance at any time of the year,” Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) interim CEO Jim Crawford said. “This special enrollment period is available monthly to those who qualify for Cascade Care Savings who are not already in an eligible plan.”
Customers have until midnight on Jan. 15 to enroll through Washington Healthplanfinder
The time to enroll in your 2023 health plan is nearing its end; Washington Healthplanfinder’s 10th open enrollment period concludes on Jan. 15. Join the more than 224,000 Washingtonians who’ve secured their 2023 health plan; visit wahealthplanfinder.org by no later than Jan. 15 to double check that your plan is the right plan for you and your family in the upcoming year.
There is still time left to shop, switch and enroll in the best health plan for you in 2023 by Jan. 15
With just two weeks left in open enrollment, more than 222,000 Washingtonians have enrolled in their 2023 individual health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder. Driven by the availability of Cascade Care Savings, a new state premium subsidy, more than 60% of customers are enrolled in a Cascade Care plan for 2023 —double the number of enrollees in these plans in 2022.
Washingtonians can still enroll in or change their plan for a Feb. 1, 2023, effective date.
Yesterday, Dec. 15, was the last day to buy a 2023 health plan for it to begin on Jan. 1, 2023. But do not fret! It’s not too late for you to enroll in, or change, your 2023 plan at Washington Healthplanfinder. You can enroll in or change your plan until Jan. 15, for a Feb. 1, 2023, start date.
Thousands of Washingtonians have already visited Washington Healthplanfinder to secure their 2023 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.
Brand new Cascade Care Savings and high-quality Cascade Care plans provide Washington Healthplanfinder customers more savings on their health plans than ever before
The majority of Washington state residents who buy their health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder can find lower-cost plans that offer them the same level of coverage they had in 2022. An average of 80% of Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees can save on their health premium by shopping and switching to a lower-cost plan. Customers can save an average of $1,300 annually ($110 monthly) for the same level of coverage they’re already paying for.
Washington state seeks federal approval to expand health insurance to previously uninsured
State request will bring health coverage to individuals regardless of immigration status
In an effort to expand health coverage options to all residents, Washington state submitted a groundbreaking Section 1332 Waiver Application to the federal government for approval on Friday, May 13. The waiver, if approved, will allow all Washington residents regardless of immigration status to enroll in health and dental coverage through the state marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. If approved, the coverage will be available starting in 2024 to the newly eligible Washingtonians.
Preview available 2023 health plans ahead of open enrollment
Shop new savings available to you in 2023 before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1
Washingtonians can start to shop, compare, and find new savings opportunities on Washington Healthplanfinder prior to the beginning of open enrollment. Now through Oct. 30, individuals and families can visit wahealthplanfinder.org to preview their 2023 plan options and sign up for a reminder email when open enrollment is open — Nov. 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023.
“Plan preview allows Washingtonians added time to learn about the health plans and savings available to them prior having to make a final decision,” interim CEO Jim Crawford said. “This year, there are more savings available than ever before with the introduction of Cascade Care Savings.”
