Datapoint: CMS Approves Washington’s Plan to Offer Health Coverage to Undocumented Residents
CMS last month approved a State Innovation Waiver under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act that will allow all Washington residents, regardless of their immigration status, access to qualified health plans, stand-alone qualified dental plans, and a state affordability program called Cascade Care Savings. The waiver will go into effect in 2024 “subject to Washington accepting specific terms and conditions.” The approval will not “impact eligibility for the federal premium tax credit,” which is currently not available to undocumented immigrants. The state projects that average statewide premiums will be 0.2% lower in 2024 and statewide enrollment will increase by 1% due to the program. 195,690 people are currently enrolled in exchange plans in Washington, with Molina Healthcare leading the pack at 44,414 members.
Source: AIS’s Directory of Health Plans