What is the Exchange?

A health benefit exchange is a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that creates a new marketplace for each state to offer health and dental insurance coverage to individuals and families. Exchanges can be developed and implemented by the state or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Washington State chose to implement a state-based exchange.

About the Washington Health Benefit Exchange
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange was created in state statute in 2011 as a public-private partnership. The Exchange is responsible for the operation of Washington Healthplanfinder, an easily accessible, online marketplace for individuals and families to find, compare and enroll in Qualified Health Plans, Qualified Dental Plans and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Washington Healthplanfinder offers Washington state residents:
 

• Side-by-side comparisons of Qualified Health Plans and Qualified Dental Plans
• Tax credits or financial help to pay for co-pays and premiums
• Expert customer support online, by phone or in-person through local organizations or insurance brokers

The Exchange complies with open public meetings and public disclosure guidelines but is not subject to other laws that govern state agencies. The Exchange initially started in the Washington State Health Care Authority and has since transitioned to an independent organization. We work closely with our state agency partners, including the Health Care Authority, Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and the Department of Social and Health Services.

Our Mission

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange seeks to redefine people’s experience with health care. Our mission is to radically improve how Washington residents secure health insurance through innovative and practical solutions, an easy-to-use customer experience, our values of integrity, respect, equity and transparency, and by providing undeniable value to the health care community.

Our Objectives:

• Increase access to affordable health plans
• Organize a transparent and accountable insurance market to facilitate consumer choice
• Provide an efficient, accurate, and customer-friendly eligibility determination process
• Enhance health plan competition on value: price, access, quality, service, and innovation

Gender-Diverse: Small Steps Towards a Larger Goal
Washington Health Benefit Exchange is committed to working with impacted community members, partner agencies, and carriers to make Washington Healthplanfinder more accessible for gender-diverse individuals.

Your Passion. Our Purpose.

At the Washington Health Benefit Exchange we seek to redefine people's experience with healthcare through innovative and practical solutions and an easy to use customer experience.

Make an Impact on Your Community
Mike Hart was able to find affordable coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder in his retirement since he is not eligible for Medicare.

Embrace Your Potential
Grow your career at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. We offer opportunities to learn, explore, and grow while we help improve the healthcare experience.