Washington State To Create ‘Public Option’ Health Insurance Plan

On May 13, 2019, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5526 into law, creating a “public option” health insurance plan for Washington residents. The plan, titled “Cascade Care,” will make Washington the first state in the nation to offer a voluntary public option for health insurance. Under Cascade Care, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) will contract with private health insurers to administer the plans but will control the terms to manage costs. The idea is for the government to create a health insurance program to compete with the private marketplace and to expand coverage and affordability . . .