Richard Onizuka, CEO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, issued the following statement:

“We applaud the efforts of the Insurance Commissioner and welcome the news that his office has reached settlements with Community Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest for sale in Washington Healthplanfinder,  the new online marketplace where you can find, compare and enroll in health insurance in Washington State starting Oct., 1, 2013.

The Exchange had delayed certification, secured a federal extension and amended the certification timeline in order to extend the window of opportunity for these settlements. Today’s news comes as a reward to these efforts as well as to the thousands of consumers across the state who will now have access to as many coverage options as possible.

The Exchange Board will hold a special Board meeting on Sept. 4 to continue the certification discussion that started at the Aug. 21 regular meeting and Aug. 29 special meeting. At next week’s meeting, the Board will look to take action on all Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) that will be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder.

The intent of the Exchange is to ensure that these health plans that meet the requirements have the ability to participate in Washington Healthplanfinder for open enrollment. We look forward to finalizing the certification process next week and will be prepared to offer these coverage options to individuals, families and small businesses in Washington State starting Oct. 1, 2013.”