Your Guide to Health Insurance in Washington DC
Before we jump right into Washington DC health insurance and everything you need to know, let’s start with a little background information. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a “Obamacare” or ACA) was passed with the goal of getting all Americans access to affordable health insurance. To meet this goal, one measure Obamacare took was to create the ACA health insurance marketplaces, or health exchanges: one-stop shops where Americans can choose from a range of standardized, government-regulated health care plans. Health exchanges are also where eligible people can get subsidies, which lower the cost of their health plans.
States were given the option to run their own local exchange, take part in a multi-state exchange, or use the federal exchange. States that run their own exchanges get to customize many elements, including the time frame during which their residents can sign up for a plan. Several states decided to operate their own state exchanges and continue to do so to this day. Washington DC is one of those states.
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Washington DC’s Health Insurance Landscape
The Washington DC health insurance exchange is called DC Health Link. Before the ACA, 7.1% of Washingtonians were uninsured. Since the introduction of DC Health Link, the percent of Washingtonians without health insurance has dropped to 3.6% as of 2019. Washington DC has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country.
The Washington DC Health Insurance Exchange
DC Health Link is where eligible people throughout the state can find subsidized ACA plans. Open Enrollment for 2020 in Washington DC begins November 1 and ends January 31. Lucky you – this sign up window is significantly longer than the window given on the federal exchange!
Like all other state exchanges, each plan on DC Health Link covers 10 essential health benefits. These include things like prescription coverage, maternity and mental health care, and laboratory services.
Buying insurance with DC Health Link involves four steps:
1. Create an account on DC Health Link
2. Complete the online application form
3. Compare your options
4. Select your plan and enroll
In true health insurance fashion, each of these steps can be trickier than you expect. Many people need help navigating the website, estimating their income, figuring out if they are eligible for subsidies, and understanding what documents are needed for proof of income, citizenship, or identity. Luckily, you can find an assister to help you with your application!
DC Health Link’s Intricacies: What You Need to Know for 2022
In 2021, 3 insurers that offered individual plans on DC Health Link and will likely continue to do so in 2022. These 3 carriers include:
CareFirst Blue Choice (CareFirst HMO)
Group Hospitalization and Medical Services (CareFirst PPO)
Kaiser of the Mid-Atlantic States
In 2021, health plan rates increase .2% on average, which is much smaller than in previous years. Rates may increase again for 2022. How much your rate increases depends on where in Washington DC you live.
While rate increases may seem scary, most health insurance shoppers can generally avoid rate increases entirely by switching to the cheapest plan within their metal tier. Most Stride members also qualify for health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of plans significantly.
If you live in Washington DC, your Open Enrollment has begun. Find your most affordable plan now, and you’ll be well on your way for smarter, better savings all year long. And don’t forget—if you need help finding a subsidy or picking a plan, our experts are here to help! Start by entering your zip code below.