The Blog

Photo of Richard Onizuka, CEO, Washington Health Benefit Exchange Richard Onizuka, Ph.D., CEO, Washington Health Benefit Exchange

12/12/12

Accessing quality health care coverage will soon be getting easier for residents across the state. At the forefront of national health care reform, Washington is leading the way to create a new online marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. This online tool will allow individuals, families and small businesses to compare and enroll in health insurance plans starting Oct. 1, 2013, for coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. With more than 1 million Washingtonians currently uninsured and our state's uncompensated care costs approaching $1.2 billion by 2013, these efforts are more critical than ever before.

Washington Healthplanfinder will create a user-friendly shopping experience for customers, allowing them to:

  • Make side-by-side health plan comparisons based on cost and quality

  • Help determine if they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for their coverage

  • Get additional help online, over the phone and in person in choosing and enrolling in a health plan

By expanding access to affordable health care plans, Washington Healthplanfinder will boost competition in the consumer and small business health insurance marketplace, reduce uncompensated care and improve the health of our population statewide. For more information, please visit www.hca.wa.gov/hbe.