Cascade Care Savings update

Cascade Care Savings is a state program that provides funds to help Washington residents with insurance premium costs. Since the beginning of the open enrollment period for 2025 plans, the program has proven to be very popular. Unfortunately, the demand is outpacing the appropriated funds for the program, which the state is not allowed to exceed. Therefore, the state has enacted its contingency for such a scenario.

Here’s what’s happening

Starting December 18, 2024, new applicants who enroll through Washington Healthplanfinder will no longer be eligible to receive Cascade Care Savings for their 2025 premiums.

However, if you’ve already been awarded state premium assistance, your savings are secure for the entire 2025 plan year.

Key points to note:

• If you’ve applied and received eligibility but haven’t selected a plan yet, you can still get the savings.
• If you report a change during the contingency period, you’ll maintain your savings as long as you remain eligible, though your premium assistance might be adjusted.
• If you’re redetermined after December 18, 2024, without enrolling or selecting a plan, you won’t receive the savings. 

Plans are available

Even if you miss out on the Cascade Care Savings, you can still enroll in a Cascade Care plan. These plans offer low co-pays, lower deductibles, and more services before the deductible. Just make sure to enroll before the extended open enrollment period ends on January 15, 2025.

Looking ahead

The Exchange will be monitoring the program to determine whether funds will become available again later in the 2025 plan year and for the 2026 plan year. The future of the program is also dependent on the legislature allocating further funding. 

According to the Exchange, the “record demand for Cascade Care Savings demonstrates the need to maintain and increase the funding for this program. This is the highest legislative priority for the Exchange in the 2025 session.”