WA: Exchange Board Postpones Plan Certification Vote Again

At a special Board meeting held today that continued the certification discussion started at the Aug. 21 regular meeting, the Board approved a motion to postpone consideration of the certification of all Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) that will be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder until an additional special Board meeting scheduled for Sept. 4. This timeline will allow those health plans currently in the appeals process with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to complete the OIC appeal process.

This board action was taken in order to provide as many health coverage options to consumers as possible. The Exchange Board had recently approved a motion on Aug. 21 to reschedule the certification until today’s special meeting.

The intent of the Exchange and the Board is to ensure that all health plans that meet the requirements have the ability to participate in Washington Healthplanfinder for open enrollment. We look forward to finalizing the certification process next week and will be prepared to offer these coverage options to individuals, families and small businesses in Washington State starting Oct. 1, 2013.