Enrollment continues to grow since launching Cascade Select, Washington’s public option health plans, in 2021. Cascade Select plans are available on the individual market through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange). Sign-ups have more than tripled between last year and this year’s open enrollment periods—increasing from 8,000 to 27,000 people.
Growth in Cascade Select enrollment is likely due to the Health Care Authority’s (HCA’s) competitive procurement, Cascade Select’s reimbursement targets, and Cascade Care Savings. Having a competitive procurement allowed HCA to be more selective in contracting with carriers interested in competing to offer Cascade Select, which promoted lowered premiums and affordability for consumers.
