WA: Exchange Board Votes to Delay QHP Approval Vote

Stay tuned to State of Reform for more on this later today. The following statement was just issued by Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

“In an effort to provide Washington State consumers with more robust health plan offerings, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board approved a motion today to reschedule the certification of Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) to be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washington Healthplanfinder is a new online marketplace where you can find, compare and enroll in health insurance in Washington State starting Oct., 1, 2013.

The certification, which was scheduled to take place at the Aug. 21 Board meeting, will now take place within the next two weeks. This revised timeline will allow the Exchange Board additional time to review the requirements outlined for each Qualified Health Plan and work with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and the federal government to collaborate on providing additional coverage options for individuals and families in Washington State. This includes those carriers who have filed appeals with the OIC to have their plans participate in Washington Healthplanfinder in 2013.

We look forward to the certification of these brand new coverage options that will allow thousands of residents to access the important health care services they need at costs that fit their budget.”

Information about these upcoming special Board meetings will be posted to wahbexchange.org. For more information about Washington Healthplanfinder, please visit wahealthplanfinder.org.