Washington state’s health benefit exchange has announced the 10 organizations that will share $6 million in contracts to lead local groups that will help the public navigate the new health insurance system.
The federally mandated exchange, called the Healthplanfinder, is an online marketplace that will allow people to comparison shop for health insurance. It starts operation on Oct. 1, with coverage kicking in Jan. 1.
Each of the 10 contract winners will be responsible for a selecting and leading organizations in the community to offer a more localized in-person assister network. The exchange estimates another 75 additional organizations will be included in these subcontractor-like partnerships.
The smaller partner organizations will likely include local health clinics, cultural centers and other community resources.
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King County Public Health was awarded the largest contract, $1.6 million, to serve the state’s most populous region.
Pierce County Health Department received $682,000, while Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement is receiving $970,000 to serve Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan and Island counties.
The state’s exchange is requiring the 10 lead organizations to have workers go through training so they can provide accurate, unbiased help to those who need it. Those organizations are then charged with training their partner networks.
In-person assisters will need to pass a certification exam before they can work with the public.
Date: Jun 5, 2013