WA: New Health Plan Certification Timeline

Following an Aug. 21 decision by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board to reschedule the certification of Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) that will be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder, the Exchange has scheduled a special Board meeting on Aug. 29 in Seattle that will include discussion and potential action to certify QHPs and QDPs.

In addition, the Exchange has added another special meeting on Sept. 4 to allow those health plans currently in the appeals process with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to complete the OIC appeal process.

Finally, after a number of productive conversations over the past few weeks, the Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) has indicated a willingness to provide the Exchange with operational flexibility until after the Sept. 4 special Board meeting. HHS had required all state-based exchanges to submit health plan information by Aug. 31. This flexibility does not affect our open enrollment start date of Oct. 1, 2013.

The goal of the Exchange and the Exchange Board is to provide as many quality health plan options to consumers as possible. We look forward to finalizing the certification of these health and dental plans to bring quality coverage options to the residents of Washington State.”

Special Board Meeting Information – Sept. 4
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Dial-In Information: Teleconference: 1-866-244-8528; Teleconference Passcode: 974081
Address: Union Square (Building One) Board Room, 600 University Street, Seattle, WA, 98101

Special Board Meeting Information – Aug. 29
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2013
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Dial-In Information: Teleconference: 1-866-244-8528; Teleconference Passcode: 974081
Address: Union Square (Building One) Board Room, 600 University Street, Seattle, WA, 98101