HCA Finalizes Contracts with Five Carriers for Cascade Care (Public Option) Health Plans

The Washington Health Care Authority announced that it has finalized contracts with five carriers that will offer newly created Cascade Care public option plans, starting on January 1, 2021. Health plans will be offered in 19 counties by these carriers: BridgeSpan (one county); Community Health Network of Washington (nine counties); Coordinated Care (one county); LifeWise (three counties); and UnitedHealthCare (10 counties). Open enrollment will begin on Nov 1, 2020, through Jan 15, 2021. The 2021 Health Insurance Plan Certification packet includes more information about the health plans certified for 2021, including the Cascade Care public option health plans.  (Shirley Prasad, ShirleyP@wsha.org)