Cascade Select (public option)

The goals of Cascade Select are to increase the availability of quality, affordable health care coverage in the individual market, and ensure residents in every Washington county have a choice of qualified health plans.

Progress towards goals

For plan year 2024,

• Average premium increases for Cascade Select plans are nearly 50 percent lower than non-Cascade plans. This includes an average rate increase of just 3 percent, instead of 9 percent for other plans.
• Public option rates are the lowest-premium silver plans in 31 counties, up from 13 in 2023.
• Public option plans are available in 37 counties, up from 34 counties in 2023 and 19 in 2021.
• Ninety-nine (99) percent of current Washington Healthplanfinder customers have access to a public option plan.

Difference between Cascade Care and Cascade Select plans

A Cascade Care plan has a standard benefit design that emphasizes lower deductibles and providing access to services before having to pay the deductible. Customers can make “apples to apples” comparisons across different insurance carriers because the benefits are the same.

Cascade Care offers health insurance coverage options on the individual market through Washington’s Healthplanfinder (offered by HBE).

A Cascade Select plan is Washington’s public option and has the same standard benefit design, along with additional requirements, such as:

• Incorporating community quality standards
• Value-based purchasing
• Ensuring aggregate limits on provider reimbursement

These standards help increase access to high-value care at a lower cost.

Enroll in Cascade Care or Cascade Care Select

You can enroll in health care coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment, beginning November 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025. You can enroll in a Cascade Care plan throughout the year if you qualify for the Cascade Care Savings Special Enrollment Period. Learn more on the Washington Healthplanfinder website.