Bookmark & ShareFor Immediate Release: 11/05/2010
Contact: Jim Stevenson, (stevejh2@dshs.wa.gov) Communications Director, 360-725-1915 or Tiffany Loescher, (tiffany.loescher@hca.wa.gov), Communications Consultant, 360-923-2935
(OLYMPIA) – The Health Insurance Partnership (HIP) was officially kicked-off by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) with the participation of the largest health insurance companies in the Evergreen State that provide small employer group health insurance. HIP offers statewide coverage through the following participating companies:
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest
- Group Health Cooperative
- Regence BlueShield
- Asuris Northwest Health
HIP provides Washington’s small employers access to the same health insurance coverage available in the commercial market, but at a significant savings. With the anticipated support of a federal grant through 2014, HIP will mean a lower employer contribution rate and help for eligible employees that qualify for a premium subsidy.
"Small employers are the engine of our economy and encouraging them to offer health insurance coverage to their employees is smart business," said HCA Administrator Doug Porter. "The HCA and the HIP Board – which is made up of members of the public – have worked for years to create this insurance partnership. We are thrilled that the program is being initiated and encourage Washington's small employers to find out if they qualify."
HIP has been enrolling employers since September 1, but now employers are able to choose a health plan. The insurance plans included in HIP offer a variety of features and benefits: annual deductibles ranging from $500 to $5,000, co-pays, co-insurance, and a variety of prescription drug programs. Health insurance coverage begins on January 1, 2011.
"Most employers want to do the right thing for their employees - including providing health insurance coverage," said Norm Inaba, a HIP Board Member and principal in Wapato-based Inaba Produce Farms, Inc. "This innovative program provides insurance coverage for small employers at a lower contribution rate – and encourages the participation of employers that have not been able to previously provide health insurance coverage."
Small employers (with up to 50 employees) can enroll in HIP if they do not currently offer health insurance coverage to their employees, and if at least 50% of their employees are low-wage. To be considered low-wage, an employee's monthly wages cannot exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Employers must also meet the insurance company's eligibility requirements for coverage.
HIP is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and received funding in 2009 from the federal Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The 5-year, $35 million grant is being used to implement and operate the program. Most of the federal money will help employees with the cost of their health insurance premiums.
Employers interested in HIP can learn more on the program's website at www.hip.hca.wa.gov.
