Health care reform is coming.
Here’s what you need to know.
Dear Neighbors,
You’ve probably been hearing and reading a lot about the next steps in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are coming soon. It can seem overwhelming at times, so I hope this e-memo can help clear up some of the confusion.
In Washington state, we’ve chosen to go all-in on the ACA (sometimes called Obamacare) – and Washington families are already benefitting from this decision! So far:
- Sick kids can’t be denied health insurance.
- Young adults can stay on their parents’ plan until the age of 26.
- Full coverage of FDA-approved birth control at no cost to women.
No out-of-pocket costs for preventative services.
Our state’s health insurance exchange is up and running.
The Exchange, called the Washington Healthplanfinder, is an online marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage.
Healthplanfinder also has a toll-free Customer Support Center up-and-running. Folks can get their questions answered about how it works, what types of health coverage will be offered, how to access financial help and what you need to know about the enrollment process that starts on Oct. 1.
Representatives will be on the line weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. by dialing 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633) or by emailing customersupport@wahbexchange.org. Help will be available in up to 175 languages.
Also, starting October 1, 2013, King County and partner organizations will host events in our community where you can get help enrolling in Washington Healthplanfinder. Click here for more information.
How is Washington Healthplanfinder different from websites that sell insurance now?
Washington Healthplanfinder is redefining people’s experience with health care. Unlike other websites that sell one company’s specific health insurance plan, Healthplanfinder is a central location where multiple health insurance companies compete for your business.
Depending on how much you earn, you can get access to financial help that lowers the cost of your premiums and copays.
The Healthplanfinder allows you to make side-by-side comparisons of multiple health insurance plans, so you can choose the right plan based on cost, coverage, convenience or any number of factors.
The new marketplace also gets rid of the fine print and makes it easier to understand what a plan covers and how much it costs.
Every plan offered through the Healthplanfinder is state-certified, so you can rest assured that you are buying a quality plan from a reliable company.
More detailed information and questions answered by clicking here.
Lastly, if you’re more of a visual learner, the Kaiser Family Foundation has created this short video that breaks down health care reform a bit differently.
We’ve accepted the federal dollars to expand Medicaid
One of the most important components of the Affordable Care Act is the expansion of the Medicaid program. This means:
- An additional 385,000 working Washingtonians will be covered by 2020.
- We will provide health care in the most effective and least expensive setting – saving us all money in the long run.
- The decision to expand Medicaid saved us $200 million over the next two years alone.
For the first time, adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible for enrollment. For a single person, that’s an annual income of $15,864. The household income for children and pregnant women is significantly higher. To learn more, click here.
It will also be much easier to enroll in the Medicaid program through Washington Healthplanfinder. Healthplanfinder will use a much more efficient eligibility system. What used to take 45 days should now take about 45 minutes.
Applicants can also apply by phone, in person, or by mail. Click on the interactive map to help you find the in-person assister closest to you:
If you have additional questions about health care reform, Washington Healthplanfinder or Medicaid Expansion, don’t hesitate to contact my office at 206-824-5097 or email me at tina.orwall@leg.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
