Washington Health Benefit Exchange
Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's online marketplace serving 1.75 million Washington residents (one in four state residents) through integrated eligibility and enrollment for Apple Health (Medicaid) and qualified health and dental plans.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersOlympia, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Washington Health Benefit Exchange does
Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a state-established public-private partnership founded in 2011 by the Washington State Legislature that operates Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's online marketplace for health and dental insurance. The Exchange serves approximately 1.75 million Washingtonians (1.5 million in Washington Apple Health/Medicaid and 250,000 in qualified health plans), representing roughly one in four state residents. It is governed by an 11-member bipartisan board appointed by the governor and operates statewide through a distribution network of nearly 3,000 brokers, navigators, tribal assisters, and certified application counselors covering every county in Washington.
The Exchange's core technology is Washington Healthplanfinder, an integrated eligibility and enrollment platform that processes applications for both Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) and qualified health and dental plans, layering federal premium tax credits with Washington-specific state subsidies. Key product lines include Cascade Care (standard plans), Cascade Select (public option plans, first in the United States), Cascade Care Savings (state premium assistance for incomes up to 250% of federal poverty level), Section 1332 waiver plans for immigrants regardless of status, and WA Pathways/WA Health Path (established 2025) for residents excluded from federal programs. The platform also offers affordability exemption calculators and individual/family cost estimators, and supports materials in 200+ languages.
The Exchange operates a transaction-based revenue model funded through a 2% premium tax on qualified health plans sold through Healthplanfinder, carrier assessments on marketplace products, and state and federal reimbursement for Apple Health activities conducted through the platform. It is statutorily required to be self-sustaining and has cumulatively received approximately $236M in federal establishment grants since 2010. Its go-to-market combines a direct-to-consumer online portal with a multi-channel distribution system spanning community organizations, licensed insurance producers compensated by carriers, and specialized assisters embedded in hospitals, clinics, and tribal communities.
Washington Health Benefit Exchange firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Washington Health Benefit Exchange
- Legal name
- Washington Health Benefit Exchange
- Website
- https://wahbexchange.org
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's online marketplace serving 1.75 million Washington residents (one in four state residents) through integrated eligibility and enrollment for Apple Health (Medicaid) and qualified health and dental plans.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Washington Health Benefit Exchange industry classification
Industry- Product category
- State Health Insurance Marketplace
- NAICS
- Health Care and Social Assistance (62), Health and Welfare Funds (525120), Health and Welfare Funds (52512)
- SIC
- Hospital & Medical Service Plans (6324), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- ACA Marketplace (On-Exchange) Individual Plans (FSAIAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Healthcare-Linked Social Benefits Administration (e.g., Medicaid/Means-Tested Health Coverage) (BPAIAKAH), Benefits Administration & Enrollment Support (BPAAAIAB)
Keywords
Where Washington Health Benefit Exchange is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Olympia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Washington Health Benefit Exchange business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- 2% Premium Tax: The Exchange generates revenue through a 2% premium tax on health insurance premiums for qualified health plans sold through Washington Healthplanfinder.
- Carrier Assessment: A carrier assessment on products sold in the marketplace, contributing to the Exchange's self-sustaining operations.
- Federal Establishment Grants: Federal grant funding from HHS for establishment of the Exchange: Level One Grant ($22.9M in May 2011), Level Two Grant ($127.8M in May 2012), and additional Level One Grant ($84.6M in January 2014). Planning grant of $996,295 awarded in September 2010.
- Apple Health Reimbursement: State and federal funds to reimburse for Apple Health (Medicaid) activities conducted through the Exchange's platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Other | The Exchange is required to be self-sustaining through revenue from operations including premium taxes and carrier assessments. |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Washington Health Benefit Exchange product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates Washington Healthplanfinder, an online state marketplace where Washington residents can shop, compare, and enroll in qualified health and dental plans, as well as Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). The Exchange provides eligibility determination for federal premium tax credits and state subsidies, and distributes coverage through navigators, brokers, certified application counselors, and tribal assisters across Washington State.
Product overview
Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates Washington Healthplanfinder, a single unified online marketplace platform that provides access to health and dental insurance for Washington residents. The platform integrates multiple product lines including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Cascade Care Plans (standard and public option plans), and Cascade Care Savings (state premium assistance). Washington Healthplanfinder serves as the state's integrated eligibility and enrollment portal, connecting residents to qualified health plans, qualified dental plans, and Apple Health coverage. The Exchange also administers a Section 1332 Waiver program allowing all Washingtonians regardless of immigration status to purchase coverage. Additional tools include affordability calculators and cost comparison resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Washington Healthplanfinder Washington's official online marketplace where residents can browse, compare, and enroll in qualified health and dental plans and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid); performs integrated eligibility determination for federal premium tax credits, Cascade Care Savings state subsidies, and Apple Health coverage.
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Washington's Medicaid program administered through Washington Healthplanfinder, providing health coverage to eligible low-income Washington residents; over 1.5 million Washingtonians are enrolled through this pathway.
- Cascade Care Plans (Cascade & Cascade Select) Standardized health plans sold through Washington Healthplanfinder — including Cascade (standard) plans and Cascade Select (public option) plans — designed to increase availability of quality, affordable coverage in the individual market.
- Cascade Care Savings Washington's state premium assistance program that reduces health care costs for Washington Healthplanfinder customers with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level by layering state subsidies on top of federal premium tax credits.
- Section 1332 Waiver Plans Health insurance plans available through Washington's 1332 waiver (approved for January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028) that allow all Washingtonians regardless of immigration status to purchase non-federally subsidized qualified health and dental plans.
- Affordability Exemption Calculators Online calculators that help Washington residents determine their eligibility for affordability exemptions and estimate potential savings on health coverage.
- Individuals & Families Cost Calculator Online cost calculation tool that helps individuals and families estimate their health coverage costs and compare plan options available through Washington Healthplanfinder.
- Producer (Broker) Channel Program Certified insurance producer channel offering brokers a dedicated dashboard, producer directory listing, and support team to sell qualified health and dental plans through Washington Healthplanfinder; producers are compensated by carriers.
Quantifiable outcome
- State uninsured rate reduced from 14% to under 5% since 2013
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Washington Health Benefit Exchange
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Washington Health Benefit Exchange technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Washington Health Benefit Exchange partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Washington State Health Care AuthoritycoreThe Exchange initially started as part of the Washington State Health Care Authority and continues to work closely with this state agency partner. The HCA Director serves as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Exchange Board.
- Office of the Insurance CommissionercoreThe Exchange collaborates with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on regulatory matters. The Insurance Commissioner serves as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Exchange Board.
- Department of Social and Health ServicescoreThe Exchange works closely with DSHS on eligibility and enrollment matters related to Apple Health (Medicaid) and other social services.
- Lead Navigator OrganizationscoreLead organizations selected to oversee outreach and enrollment services in specific geographic areas across Washington State. These include Public Health - Seattle & King County, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Better Health Together, FND Insurance, and others.
- Insurance CarrierscoreHealth and dental insurance carriers offering plans through Washington Healthplanfinder. Carriers include Molina Healthcare, Premera Blue Cross, Kaiser, Delta Dental, and others participating in the marketplace.
- WA PathwaysflagshipFollowing 2025 legislative direction, the Exchange established WA Pathways as a new organization (WA Health Path) to ensure everyone living in Washington state can access health and dental insurance, regardless of immigration status.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Washington Health Benefit Exchange competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Covered California: California's state-based ACA marketplace, the largest in the U.S. Operates a similar public-option-adjacent model and integrated eligibility platform, making it the closest large-scale peer to Washington Healthplanfinder.
- NY State of Health (NYSOH): New York's state-based exchange serving millions of QHP and Medicaid enrollees with an integrated eligibility platform, structurally comparable to Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
- Massachusetts Health Connector: Massachusetts's state-based marketplace, one of the longest-running exchanges in the U.S. with a comparable integrated Medicaid/QHP eligibility model and state-subsidy program similar to Cascade Care Savings.
- MNsure: Minnesota's state-based exchange operating with comparable enrollment volumes, navigators/broker distribution model, and eligibility integration with Medical Assistance (Minnesota's Medicaid program).
- Maryland Health Connection: Maryland's state-based marketplace with integrated Medicaid eligibility, analogous GTM motion through navigators and brokers, and a comparable state-subsidy structure for affordability.
- Connect for Health Colorado: Colorado's state-based exchange with a similar broker/navigator distribution model, integrated eligibility, and affordability-focused subsidy programs serving a comparable state-sized population.
- Access Health CT: Connecticut's state-based marketplace providing integrated QHP and Medicaid enrollment, comparable in operational scope and statutory self-sustaining model.
Regional players
- BeWellnm (New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange): New Mexico's state-based marketplace operating in a different geographic market with similar broker/navigator outreach and integrated Medicaid eligibility, useful as a smaller-state peer benchmark.
- Your Health Idaho: Idaho's state-based exchange operating adjacent to Washington with comparable broker-based distribution and integrated eligibility, serving as a regional peer for outreach and enrollment models.
Others
- Washington State Health Care Authority: Core state partner that originally housed the Exchange; administers Apple Health (Medicaid) and is an ex officio board member. Provides direct operational and policy integration rather than direct competitive overlap.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Washington Health Benefit Exchange social profiles
Digital presenceWashington Health Benefit Exchange financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Washington Health Benefit Exchange leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Washington Health Benefit Exchange funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Washington Health Benefit Exchange M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Washington Health Benefit Exchange
What does Washington Health Benefit Exchange do?
Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates Washington Healthplanfinder, an online state marketplace where Washington residents can shop, compare, and enroll in qualified health and dental plans, as well as Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). The Exchange provides eligibility determination for federal premium tax credits and state subsidies, and distributes coverage through navigators, brokers, certified application counselors, and tribal assisters across Washington State.
Is Washington Health Benefit Exchange a public or private company?
Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Washington Health Benefit Exchange founded?
Washington Health Benefit Exchange was founded in 2011. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Washington Health Benefit Exchange based?
Washington Health Benefit Exchange is headquartered in Olympia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Washington Health Benefit Exchange make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. 2% Premium Tax is the primary driver. The others are carrier Assessment, federal Establishment Grants and apple Health Reimbursement.
Who are Washington Health Benefit Exchange's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Covered California, NY State of Health (NYSOH), Massachusetts Health Connector, MNsure, Maryland Health Connection, Connect for Health Colorado and Access Health CT. Regional players are BeWellnm (New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange) and Your Health Idaho. Washington State Health Care Authority is listed as an others.
Does Washington Health Benefit Exchange have an API?
No public API is recorded for Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
What industry is Washington Health Benefit Exchange in?
Washington Health Benefit Exchange's product category is State Health Insurance Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAIAEAA, ACA Marketplace (On-Exchange) Individual Plans, with a secondary code of BPAIAKAH, Healthcare-Linked Social Benefits Administration (e.g., Medicaid/Means-Tested Health Coverage). Its NAICS code is 62 and its SIC code is 6324.