Gov. to Unveil Health Care Act Enrollment Plans

Governor Jay Inslee and health care leaders convene “Coverage is Here” Enrollment Summit, July 16 in Seattle

 From the Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee

Governor Jay Inslee and other health care leaders are convening a “Coverage is Here” Enrollment Summit on July 16 in Seattle. The “Coverage is Here” Enrollment Summit will bring together more than 100 leaders and stakeholders to discuss best practices for educating and enrolling Washington residents in new health insurance options resulting from Medicaid expansion and the federal Affordable Care Act. Enrollment through the Washington Healthplanfinder opens on Oct. 1, 2013 for coverage that begins Jan. 1 2014.

Nearly 1 million uninsured Washingtonians will be able to find a plan that fits their needs and their budget. More than half of them are expected to qualify for low-cost or free insurance, or financial assistance to pay for premiums and co-pays. It will take a broad, all-inclusive effort to educate, reach out, and enroll everyone.

Summit topics include:

• The Medicaid expansion, which will make Washington’s Apple Health program available to all individuals and families making up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• The development of Washington Healthplanfinder, where individuals and families can find, compare and enroll in quality health insurance plans.
• Outreach and enrollment plans from Washington Healthplanfinder, health clinics, hospitals, physician organizations, community-based organizations, and more.
• Pinpointing the uninsured in Washington state: Who are they, and where do they live?

Accompanying Gov. Inslee at the panel will be:

• Mike Kreidler, Insurance Commissioner
• Pam MacEwan, Chief of Staff, Washington Health Benefits Exchange
•  Dorothy Teeter, Director, Health Care Authority