EVERETT — In a significant development, all residents of Washington, regardless of their immigration status, can secure health insurance coverage in the year 2024. The final deadline for enrollment or plan changes is January 15.
According to 2022 census data, Snohomish County holds the sixth position in the state concerning the percentage of residents with health insurance, trailing behind King, Island, and Skagit counties. Approximately 7% of individuals under 65 in the county were without health insurance last year. Notably, the north Lynnwood area emerged as the least-insured population in the county, with 13.5% of individuals lacking insurance. Conversely, East Bothell residents exhibited the highest rate of health insurance coverage, reaching 98.7%.
Enrollment in health plans for coverage starting on January 1 has closed, with the deadline being December 15. However, individuals still have the opportunity to enroll or modify their plans for coverage beginning February 1.
Previously, federal law restricted undocumented immigrants from purchasing health care plans through state exchanges, leaving over 105,000 people — nearly a quarter of the state’s uninsured population — without health insurance access in Washington. However, a significant change occurred last year when the federal government granted an innovation waiver to Washington, allowing the state to extend insurance access to all noncitizens. This move marks a departure from the previous restriction that prevented undocumented children and pregnant women from accessing coverage through Apple Health, the state’s equivalent of Medicare.
The waiver represents a step forward in promoting health equity across the state, complementing other initiatives implemented in recent years. In 2021, Washington introduced Cascade Care plans featuring lower deductibles and increased service coverage before deductibles are met. The subsequent year saw the launch of Cascade Care Savings for those earning 250% of the federal poverty level or less. Qualifying individuals can now procure a “high-quality” plan for less than $10 a month, and in some cases, as low as $0 a month, thanks to federal and state subsidies.
Ingrid Ulrey, the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, expressed gratitude for the subsidies, emphasizing that individuals with low to moderate income levels can now access very affordable private, qualified health plans.
Apple Health maintains year-round enrollment through Washington Healthplanfinder, ensuring ongoing accessibility to health coverage.
