Manny Santiago, Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange tells us how those who may be seeking to or struggling to find equitable healthcare can do so in our state. Washington Healthplanfinder welcomes everyone to enroll in health and dental insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status. You do not need a social security number or to be a U.S. citizen to enroll in health insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder. Information about immigration status will be used only to determine eligibility for health insurance and not for anything else, including enforcement. Open enrollment is Nov 1st - Jan 15th and is the time everyone can enroll in health insurance for 2025. Through Washington Healthplanfinder, additional savings may be available for low-income earners. Come see what you may qualify for.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Seattle Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFMS in Ihart
(00:04):
radio station available everywhere on are free iHeartRadio app Number
one for music radio and podcasts all in one.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
This is Jasamine McIntyre, your host of Seattle Voice, your
Community Voice, presented by iHeartRadio Seattle, and I the pleasure
of being joined by Manny Santiago, who is the Chief
of Equity and Community Partnerships for Washington Help Benefits Exchange
Many How are you today and thank you for joining me.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Absolutely, thank you for having mets. I mean, I'm great
and happy to bring the information that people need.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Yes, and that's why we have you today.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Is well one, I would like you to explain your
role and then we'll go beyond into what that role
means for the community.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Absolutely so, as you said, my title is Chief of
EQUITAM Community Partnerships with the Exchange, and what the Exchange
does is we are the platform that administer is basically
the Affortable Care Act plans. So we are the one
shop for all of the Affordable Care Act plans in
Washington State. And my role as the Chief of Equity
(01:10):
and Community Partnerships is, on the one hand, excuse me,
ensure that equity is embedded in the work that we
do both internally and externally, and that includes sharing the
information about the opportunities that our communities have to access
healthcare plans through the Exchange, and then the community partnerships.
Part of my job is what we're doing right now
(01:30):
sharing with the community about the opportunity to access healthcare plans,
as well as strengthening our partnership with our networks of
lead organizations, community based organizations, advocacy groups. So that's all
that is part of my job, as well as we're
travel relationships and that government to government relationship with tribes
in Washington, So all of that is part of what
(01:51):
we do now.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
I think that there's a lot of confusion about healthcare
going on these days, and I would like you to
kind of simplify it first, someone like me, I don't
know as much as you.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
You know, you just gave us a lot of information.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
But I think people are nervous about where they can
get their healthcare right now. So let's say your Joe
or Jane walks down the street. What can they do
if they are nervous about their healthcare right now?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
So the change, as I said, is the marketplace for
the Affordable Care Act, right. And what this means is
that if Jane and Joe are in need of accessing
healthcare in the United States, as you know, for the
most part, we need to have some sort of health
insurance to access the care that we need. Yes, And
what they exchange does and excuse me, what they change
(02:39):
does is to curate the plans that are available that
qualify for tax credits or subsidies both for the federal
government and from the federal government and the state government.
And we curate those plans. We put them all together
in one space while health planfinder dot org and in
that platform, our cients our you know, the residents of Washington,
(03:02):
regardless of undocumented or documented and citizens citizenship status, they
can compare the plans that exist in Washington that qualify
for these subsidies, these tax credits, and it makes it
easier you can compare on the platform, right, So it
makes it easier for the customer to choose a plan
(03:22):
that feeds their needs and that way they will have
access to the network of providers throughout the throughout the state.
So we try to simplify healthcare plans or healthcare healthcare
access by curating this platform with the plans that are
available to the people in Washington and they you know,
they there are different plans for every county. So depending
(03:44):
on the county where you are, you're gonna see what
access you have to different providers, to different networks. And
that's what the Exchange is here to do, right, to
make it easier for people to select a plan, healthcare
plan and a dental plan that feeds their needs, their
budget and the network of providers that they prefer.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, I mean I have to do that every year
through work, and I know that they have done a
great job here at I heard of simplifying it. It's
amazing to have that for those that might not get
it through an employer. And again, this is Many Santiago
who is joining me Jamin McIntyre on Seattle Voice. And
I really love having these conversations to talk about the
(04:23):
stories that you may have encountered if you had the chance.
I don't know if you are face to face with people,
but I would love if you had a few to
share of success that you've seen.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
In your role.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Yeah. Absolutely, I think that this is actually a great
time to share some of those stories.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Right.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
One of the things that we're facing right now is
the expiration of the of the tax credits that we're
put in place during the COVID pandemic. That the heat
of the COVID panemic. Yeah, yeah, And it's very important
for people to share the stories. So our congressional delegation
continue advocating for the expansion of those tax credits, right
(05:03):
that help ease the burden on the customer and the
consumer to pay for these healthcare plans.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Right.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
So, right now, it's funny that you ask this about
stories because right now we have been collecting some of
the stories from our customers and I am not directly,
you know, providing direct service to their customers. We have
a network of over one hundred over a thousand navigators
that we contact with. These are people who work for
(05:32):
local nonprofits who we call lead organizations that we contact with,
and these navigators, they have been collecting some of the
stories and some of the things that we have here
we have heard so far is people who have you know,
need for accessing cancer care for instance, right and people
in like in Grand County who may not be closed
(05:55):
to a provider and they have to already encourage in
those you know, uh, and those expenses of traveling to
the closest you know, cancer center to receive treatment, and
they don't know how they are going to afford how
they are going to be able to afford healthcare. And
once that they enter into the ones that they connected
(06:17):
with the navigator, once that they looked into the options
that they have through the through the market on the
on the exchange, and they found a plan that not
only covers their cancer care, but covers the network where
where they receive care. Right and and then they were
able to afford it because of the of the tax credits,
(06:37):
because of the subsidies. And these are the stories that
we get every day, right, and we're hearing more and
more from these from how these tax credits and the
affordability part of accessing health care and healthcare plans has
worked and helped them access the services that they want.
So I don't want to to share specific stories because
I want to give too much you know, personal information.
(07:00):
I understand, yeah, but this, uh, when when I mentioned,
you know, someone in Grand County, this is a real
story and real stories that we're hearing. And it's not
only you know in the in the larger urban areas
is throughout this date, especially in the rural counties where
it's sometimes a little bit harder to access care, and
(07:20):
having the right plan can help them. And having the
right subsidies and tax credits for that family, for that
individual to have a more accessible plan that is really
changing lives. And it's really you know, offering people the
opportunity to have the care that they need and that
they deserve.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Yes, And you know, without health, we don't have anything.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
And you know, you're literally affecting people's lives every day,
and I think that's amazing. Many Santiago is joining me
Jasm McIntyre on Seattle Voice.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
He is a chief of Equity.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
And Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Now Many,
I did spend some time working in public health for
Doctor Show as State Secretary of Health, and I saw
what the pandemic did to a lot of people. I
was upfront and center witnessing it, and I one thank
you for everything that you do too. I kind of
(08:12):
want to go back to what you were saying about
the people that you serve. They come from various backgrounds,
and I was wondering how many different languages you provide
when it comes to accessing this healthcare because that was
a huge barrier that eyewitnessed during that time during COVID.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
That is a great question. You know, our web page,
the landing page obviously is in English. However right at
the top you can put it in Spanish. We know
that English and Spanish are the two main languages, yes,
spoken in households in Washington, and that's just the landing page, right.
But when people go to the bottom of the page
at healthpanfinder dot org, people will find most of the
(08:54):
primary languages spoken in households in Washington, so for instance,
simplified Chinese, Monitoring, Vietnamese, Amharic, and we have many many
of the languages that Washingtonian speak now our customer call centers.
They also offer translation services and in total we have
(09:15):
over two hundred languages available for people. Right, so whatever
language you speak, and that includes you know, languages of
Africa as well as many of the indigenous languages of
the Americas, including the United States and Central and South America.
So the most likely scenario is that whatever language you
(09:36):
speak at home, we have it. We have the resources,
whether in written form or through translation services, that we
have access to. So no matter what language you speak,
we're probably we probably have the resources that you need
in your language to help you navigate that this system.
The other thing you know, I may reference to the
(09:56):
network of navigators throughout the state. Many of them speak
the languages of the people because they are in community organizations.
Right Our lead organizations are nonprofits that serve their communities
and they provide several services, and one of them is
these navigator services where the navigators help people well obviously
(10:16):
navigate the system right and select a plan that fits them.
And right now we have navigators who speak obviously English
as well as Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Amheric and Tagalog, Vietnamese
and Chinese. Those are the ones that I remember our
navigator speaking, but certainly they also have access to translation services.
(10:40):
So whereever you are in Washington, whatever language you speak,
we are probably going to be able to help you
because we have access to all these translation services that
are available to you free of cost. So you can
reach out to our navigators, you can reach out to
our customer call center, and we will most likely be
able to help you in your language.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
That is absolutely beautiful.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Again, Many Santiago joining me here, Jessamin McIntyre, Seattle's Voice,
and I want to drill down a little bit into
the navigators.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
I know you don't want to.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Share a lot of personal information for the people that
are benefiting from the services you provide, But the navigators,
can you tell me how someone gets involved and what
their role is beyond what you've already shared.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
So the navigators, as I said, they work with local nonprofits.
Right the nonprofits are different type of nonprofits in your community.
So we have excuse me, we contract with people with
organizations in Inking County and Spokane and Clark County and Yakima.
We have about eleven lead organizations as well as a
(11:47):
tribal lead organization, So we have a total of twelve
right lead organizations, including the tribal lead organization that are
they have the staff that helped navigate this system. So
our navigators, we call them our navigators, but they are not,
you know, employees of the exchange. They are contracted to
(12:09):
these lead organization network and they are in your community,
so they know what the challenges are. They know how
to get to your home, how to get to your
community center, they know how to get to your town
because they are from those towns, right, And their role
is to help their community to understand and make sense
of the complex as you as you pointed out earlier,
(12:31):
right of the complex system that exists in the United States,
to select a plan on the why health plan finder
dot org platform.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Right.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
So they are not brokers. That's very important to clarify.
They are not there to make money. They are not
there to collect a commission, although we do have over
two thousand we contract with over two thousand brokers who
also help people, you know, make a selection on plans
on the platform. But the navigators, they are there to
answer questions to help you navigate the system. The person
(13:04):
has the autonomy, has the agency to make the choice, right.
So the navigators are not going to steal you to
one plan or the other. They're going to give you
the information that you need to make an informed decision
on what plans, what plan is is best for you.
That's slightly different than a broker who will help you
(13:27):
and can actually make take action on your behalf. The
navigators do not take action on your behalf. They help
you navigate the system and help you with the technical
you know, with the technology that you need to access
the platform. And things like that. And they do these
for free for the customer, right the customer doesn't have
to pay them. They don't get any commission. They're there
(13:48):
to do their job of helping people navigate these And
as I said, these are people in your communities. So
when you go to you know, to any town, to
any city in the state that has a navigating on network,
they know who you are, They know what the challenges
are in your community. They know what is available in
your community beyond health care and access to the providers
(14:12):
because they belong to those communities. So you know, it's
not like a central font system where you call and
the person doesn't know who you are or doesn't know
where you live or what the challenges are. The navigators
are people who are there in your community. Our role
at the exchange with the navigators we have under my department.
We have the Navigators Support Team, and our role is
(14:33):
to keep the navigators informed about the changes in the plans,
about the changes in the platform. We train them, we
help them, we answer questions when the navigators have questions.
But the navigators are, you know, in your community helping
you figure out how to best address your healthcare needs
and access to healthcare because they know what the challenges are.
(14:54):
So it's a wonderful network. I'm very proud of our
navigators and our broker network for sure.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
I am too as a member of my own community.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
I think that everything that you guys are doing is lovely,
especially during some confusing times. So I have a few
questions and also shout out to all the navigators out
there because it sounds like amazing work. And I love
that it's a member of your community because people get nervous.
People do get nervous around people that they don't know,
and especially when it comes to things like this when
(15:23):
they're just trying to provide for themselves, their families and
their loved ones. So again, Manny Santiago is joining me,
and I do have a couple of questions which I
think people would be a little curious about. Is Washington
the first state to open its insurance marketplace to all
including undocumented residents.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
That's a great question, is I mean, so, one of
the things that we're very proud of in Washington is
that Washington is indeed the first state that got authorization
from the federal government to offer our plans through the
exchange to every Washingtonian, regardless of documented status of citizenship status.
(16:07):
So since twenty twenty two, we got the waiver from
the federal government to allow undocumented residents in Washington access
different plans and make a choice in the exchange. Now,
it's very important, especially in today's political climate. Right, it's
very important to clarify that doesn't mean that undocumented residents
are getting subsidies or tax credits from the federal government, right.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
I think people need to know that, yes.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
The federal government still in this country, prevents undocumented residents
on any state to access subsidies and federal support services
for them. However, in Washington, we got the authorization to
sell the product, So if an undocumented resident can afford
the premium, they have that option in the exchange. So
(16:59):
that's one important clarification. The other thing is that in Washington,
because because we were Washington, right, we wanted to help
a little bit more. We know that undocumented residents give
a lot to the economy Washington through you know, sales
tax and property taxes and business tax and they don't
usually they don't receive anything in return. Right, They're playing
(17:20):
all these taxes, all they're contributing to our economy, and
usually they don't receive anything in return because they don't qualify. However,
in Washington, one thing that our legislature this this year
is that they expanded They created this program where not
only can undocumented residents access to exchange and see if
there's a plan that they can afford based on their
(17:41):
budget and their family size and all that, but now
there's also a program where Washingtonians have access. Washingtonians who
don't have proper documentation have access to state subsidies. So
these are not federal subsidies, these are state subsidies. That
program is capped, so it has you know, it's kind
of a pilot program, so it doesn't it doesn't cover
(18:03):
all of the undocumented residents that don't have insurance. There's
a maximum number of subsidies that we are allowed to offer.
But it's important for undocumented residents. If they have the
desire to explore their options, they can see the options
on the exchange in their language and then make a
selection and if there's space in this in this program
(18:26):
of state subsidies, they can you know, qualify for state subsidies. Now,
if an undocumented resident is interested and doesn't qualify for
the for the subsidies and cannot afford the premium because
we know that sometimes the premium it's it can be
quite expensive, right, and we don't have control over the premium.
(18:46):
That's the the insurance companies that set the price. And
so if they don't if they don't qualify for the subsidies,
because the subsidies are already you know used as I said,
that's a cap program, but they want they don't have
the budget to pay for the entrance. We are still
encouraging those un documented residents to go through the process
(19:07):
and apply for a plan, even if they don't complete
you know, the payment and don't get the plan, because
that is the only way that we will have the
numbers to show the legislature, the state legislature that there's
a need to expand that program. Right, So I encourage people,
regardless of of their documented status and the citizenship status
(19:29):
to explore their options on the exchange. And if you
don't qualify for the subsidies, the subsidies program is already capped,
please do you know, submit your application, because those numbers
help us make the case for expanding this program.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
That's really interesting that that could actually benefit the future
of the program just by letting you know, like entering
your information, because you can continue to advocate for so
many people many Santiago, who is the chief of Equity
and Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange, we greatly
appreciate your time, but I'm going to keep you for
(20:03):
a little bit longer.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
I have a few more questions, and I think that
the people who.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Are listening right now would really appreciate knowing some of
these things, because you know, we read Washington Health Benefit
Exchange and you've done a very lovely job of explaining
exactly what you do, but there's a lot that people
don't know about it. So I'm wondering right now, well
enrolling for health insurance affect people's immigration status, you know,
(20:31):
or citizenship, because I think that people might get nervous
by entering their information, and you would understand that as well.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Would that affect anything?
Speaker 3 (20:41):
So yeah, that's very important to clarify as well. And
I'm so thankful that you asked this question because, as
I said, you know, the political climate right now is
a little bit difficult, especially for undocumented residents in Washington
for sure, and throughout the United States. And one very
important thing that we want to that we want to
(21:03):
convey to our undocumented residents is that all the information
that you offer us on the exchange, all your personal information,
is only used to determine your qualification for the state subsidies.
So none of the information that you offer us is
going to be shared with with you know, federal agencies.
(21:24):
It is not it is going to be secured. It
is not going to be shared with with you know,
immigration agents or anything like that. All the information that
you provide if you're undocumented in Washington and a documentary
resident in Washington and come to the exchange to find
that a plan that fits your your budget and you
need all that information is kept confidential and is not
(21:46):
shared with federal authorities. So that's very important that people
understand we are keeping you know, the community as safe
and as possible. Now. I also want to say that
we don't know what changes might come in twenty twenty five,
so that's why it's important to apply now before the
end of the year. You have until December fifteenth to
(22:08):
apply if you want coverage starting in January first. So
I really urge our undocumented residents, especially to rush to
the exchange and try to find a plan that fits
your needs. And yes, we're going to keep that information
private and not share with any you know, with the
immigration officers or anything like that. The other part of
(22:31):
this is, as I said, your information is only used
to determine your eligibility for the subsidies and tax credits
for the state if you're undocumented. And then so, yes,
we're trying to keep the community you know, safe, and
none of the information is going to be shared.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
That is very important for people to know.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
And I think that's why there's hesitation when it comes
to seeking out healthcare, is because it is documented somewhere
and if people know and they have that safety net
that you are not going.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
To affect their status at all. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
There's another thing that I forgot to say, and some
people might be worried about, you know, getting the subsidies
and then being the nied citizenship or a green card
when they apply, because it's what they call what the
federal government calls public charge. You're getting support from, in
this case, the state government. That doesn't happen with this program, again,
(23:32):
because it's a state subsidies, not a federal subsidy. So
if you are, if you're planning on, you know, applying
for a green card or if you qualify in the
future for a green card or residency or citizenship, having
received as subsidies to pay for your healthcare plan is
(23:52):
not going to be considered as a public charge. So
you don't have to worry about that, you know, affecting
in any negative way you immigration situation or your immigration,
your residency or citizenship application.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
Thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Yeah, Manny Santiago is joining me. And people need to
know that. People need to know that they can be
safe while taking care of themselves. And all you are
doing is health and all you're doing is providing information
that people can stay healthy, be healthy, cure things, see
a doctor, and very very much appreciated. This is j
(24:29):
Justamine McIntyre, your host of Seattle Voice, your community Voice
presented by iHeartRadio Seattle, and I do this every show.
I tell a story that I like and I would
like if you could. I know you are very good
at keeping confidentiality, but maybe you can share a starfish
story because I used to read a poem slash short
(24:51):
story with my mother every night going to bed, and
there's a little girl on a beach and there's hundreds
of starfish washed up on the sea, and they were
on the beach, I'm sorry, and it was low tide,
and she's just flinging them in one at a time,
and an old man walks up to her and says,
what are you doing. You can't make a difference, and
(25:13):
there's no way you can save any and she you know,
you can't save them all, and she flings a starfish
into the sea and says, it matters to that one.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
And I saw an iteration.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
Of that actually recently where the old man actually joyfully
starts helping her out. And it seems like you are
in the community enough to have seen some starfish that
have been flung back into the sea, And if you
could share any of those memories, I would really appreciate.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
It, absolutely, So I want to share. You know that
I've heard that story. I grew up in Puerto Rico.
We do have a version of the story.
Speaker 4 (25:53):
I love that. Yes, it's a great story.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
Yes, And as I said, you know, I grew up
in Puerto Ricos. I'm not taking an immigrant, but I
married into an immigrant family, and part of my family
here in Washington. The family that are married into part
of them don't have proper documentation yet, right. And when
this expansion to the healthcare plans and the subsidies happen,
(26:18):
my family was able. My brother in law was able
to actually see the options that he had and thankfully
qualify for these. So this is something that I'm not
saying because, you know, because I'm a worker of and
a staff at the exchange. These are things that are
impacting our families, not only within you know, our community,
but even here at the exchange. These are, you know,
(26:41):
things that are impacting positively our families. And I saw
that firsthand with my brother in law being able to
take advantage of these subsidies and being able to have
health insurance for the first time after nineteen years of
living in this country. Right. So, these are important things
that are happening, and one by one we continue making
strides to you know, to to make people, to have
(27:05):
more people accessing quality healthcare and making sure that our
community are safe, that our communities are healthy, that our
communities have the resources that they need to thrive. That's
what we want. We want a Washington that thrives, and
that's what we're aspiring to and what we see that
is happening when people have access to all of these
programs and these healthcare plans.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Like I said earlier, if we don't have health, we
don't have anything, because that is what is going to
affect you and your family as well. Again, Many Santiago,
Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange,
once again, can you share with us exactly where people
can go to access these services?
Speaker 3 (27:47):
Absolutely? Right now. We're in the middle of open enrollment
which started in November first. You have until January fifteenth
to apply for our plan. And if you want your
plan to start on January first, then you have till
December fifteenth, and you can go to whah health Planfinder
dot org. Whah health plan finder dot org. That's our
website where you can find information in your language, and
(28:10):
where you can find information on where their navigators are,
where you can find out broker if you prefer to
work with a broker, and what the number is for
our customer center. So WHAH health plan Finder dot org.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
And don't just look for yourself, look for your families
if you need them. And this is not just for
undocumented citizens even though those are hit the hardest. What
are the other communities who are applicable for this program?
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Every community, every person in Washington has access to the
to whah health planfinder dot org. Any Washingtonian can see
their options for healthcare, heir plans, healthcare plans. If you
are a resident of Washington, a citizen, you you can
have you can have a tax credits, you can have subsidies.
So the program for undoctor into pressed persons is one
(28:58):
particular program. But as you said, this is for every
Washingtonian and very important. If you're a tribal member, if
you're a member, a registered member of the tribe, you
are not, you do not have to wait for open enrollment.
You can enroll at any time during the year. If
you are not a member of our enroll. If you're
not an enrolled member of a tribe, then November first
(29:18):
through January fifteenth, And if you want your plan to
start in January first, then December fifteenth is your deadline
to apply.
Speaker 2 (29:26):
That is perfect, all right, December fifteenth, and once again
that website.
Speaker 3 (29:31):
Ww help planfinder dot org.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
Many.
Speaker 2 (29:34):
It has been an absolute pleasure talking to you. I
love everything that you're doing. Just helping communities. Your navigators
out there who are members of the community. People need
to know that these are trusted individuals and very much
appreciate your time.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
Thank you so much and good luck in everything that
you do.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
Thank you, thank you for having me here, and thank
you for helping us share the good news with all Washingtonians.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Yes, absolutely, you've been listening to Seattle's Voice, presented by
iHeartRadio in Seattle.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
I'm Jessamin McIntyre.
Speaker 2 (30:06):
For show ideas or to find out how your voice
can be heard, email Seattle Voice at Einheart's Radio.
Speaker 1 (30:12):
Ninety three point three kJ r f M, Seattle in
iHeartRadio station, available everywhere on our free iHeartRadio app. Number
one for music, radio and podcasts all in one
Seattle Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFMS in Ihart
(00:04):
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Speaker 2 (00:11):
This is Jasamine McIntyre, your host of Seattle Voice, your
Community Voice, presented by iHeartRadio Seattle, and I the pleasure
of being joined by Manny Santiago, who is the Chief
of Equity and Community Partnerships for Washington Help Benefits Exchange
Many How are you today and thank you for joining me.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Absolutely, thank you for having mets. I mean, I'm great
and happy to bring the information that people need.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Yes, and that's why we have you today.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Is well one, I would like you to explain your
role and then we'll go beyond into what that role
means for the community.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Absolutely so, as you said, my title is Chief of
EQUITAM Community Partnerships with the Exchange, and what the Exchange
does is we are the platform that administer is basically
the Affortable Care Act plans. So we are the one
shop for all of the Affordable Care Act plans in
Washington State. And my role as the Chief of Equity
(01:10):
and Community Partnerships is, on the one hand, excuse me,
ensure that equity is embedded in the work that we
do both internally and externally, and that includes sharing the
information about the opportunities that our communities have to access
healthcare plans through the Exchange, and then the community partnerships.
Part of my job is what we're doing right now
(01:30):
sharing with the community about the opportunity to access healthcare plans,
as well as strengthening our partnership with our networks of
lead organizations, community based organizations, advocacy groups. So that's all
that is part of my job, as well as we're
travel relationships and that government to government relationship with tribes
in Washington, So all of that is part of what
(01:51):
we do now.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
I think that there's a lot of confusion about healthcare
going on these days, and I would like you to
kind of simplify it first, someone like me, I don't
know as much as you.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
You know, you just gave us a lot of information.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
But I think people are nervous about where they can
get their healthcare right now. So let's say your Joe
or Jane walks down the street. What can they do
if they are nervous about their healthcare right now?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
So the change, as I said, is the marketplace for
the Affordable Care Act, right. And what this means is
that if Jane and Joe are in need of accessing
healthcare in the United States, as you know, for the
most part, we need to have some sort of health
insurance to access the care that we need. Yes, And
what they exchange does and excuse me, what they change
(02:39):
does is to curate the plans that are available that
qualify for tax credits or subsidies both for the federal
government and from the federal government and the state government.
And we curate those plans. We put them all together
in one space while health planfinder dot org and in
that platform, our cients our you know, the residents of Washington,
(03:02):
regardless of undocumented or documented and citizens citizenship status, they
can compare the plans that exist in Washington that qualify
for these subsidies, these tax credits, and it makes it
easier you can compare on the platform, right, So it
makes it easier for the customer to choose a plan
(03:22):
that feeds their needs and that way they will have
access to the network of providers throughout the throughout the state.
So we try to simplify healthcare plans or healthcare healthcare
access by curating this platform with the plans that are
available to the people in Washington and they you know,
they there are different plans for every county. So depending
(03:44):
on the county where you are, you're gonna see what
access you have to different providers, to different networks. And
that's what the Exchange is here to do, right, to
make it easier for people to select a plan, healthcare
plan and a dental plan that feeds their needs, their
budget and the network of providers that they prefer.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, I mean I have to do that every year
through work, and I know that they have done a
great job here at I heard of simplifying it. It's
amazing to have that for those that might not get
it through an employer. And again, this is Many Santiago
who is joining me Jamin McIntyre on Seattle Voice. And
I really love having these conversations to talk about the
(04:23):
stories that you may have encountered if you had the chance.
I don't know if you are face to face with people,
but I would love if you had a few to
share of success that you've seen.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
In your role.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
Yeah. Absolutely, I think that this is actually a great
time to share some of those stories.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Right.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
One of the things that we're facing right now is
the expiration of the of the tax credits that we're
put in place during the COVID pandemic. That the heat
of the COVID panemic. Yeah, yeah, And it's very important
for people to share the stories. So our congressional delegation
continue advocating for the expansion of those tax credits, right
(05:03):
that help ease the burden on the customer and the
consumer to pay for these healthcare plans.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Right.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
So, right now, it's funny that you ask this about
stories because right now we have been collecting some of
the stories from our customers and I am not directly,
you know, providing direct service to their customers. We have
a network of over one hundred over a thousand navigators
that we contact with. These are people who work for
(05:32):
local nonprofits who we call lead organizations that we contact with,
and these navigators, they have been collecting some of the
stories and some of the things that we have here
we have heard so far is people who have you know,
need for accessing cancer care for instance, right and people
in like in Grand County who may not be closed
(05:55):
to a provider and they have to already encourage in
those you know, uh, and those expenses of traveling to
the closest you know, cancer center to receive treatment, and
they don't know how they are going to afford how
they are going to be able to afford healthcare. And
once that they enter into the ones that they connected
(06:17):
with the navigator, once that they looked into the options
that they have through the through the market on the
on the exchange, and they found a plan that not
only covers their cancer care, but covers the network where
where they receive care. Right and and then they were
able to afford it because of the of the tax credits,
(06:37):
because of the subsidies. And these are the stories that
we get every day, right, and we're hearing more and
more from these from how these tax credits and the
affordability part of accessing health care and healthcare plans has
worked and helped them access the services that they want.
So I don't want to to share specific stories because
I want to give too much you know, personal information.
(07:00):
I understand, yeah, but this, uh, when when I mentioned,
you know, someone in Grand County, this is a real
story and real stories that we're hearing. And it's not
only you know in the in the larger urban areas
is throughout this date, especially in the rural counties where
it's sometimes a little bit harder to access care, and
(07:20):
having the right plan can help them. And having the
right subsidies and tax credits for that family, for that
individual to have a more accessible plan that is really
changing lives. And it's really you know, offering people the
opportunity to have the care that they need and that
they deserve.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
Yes, And you know, without health, we don't have anything.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
And you know, you're literally affecting people's lives every day,
and I think that's amazing. Many Santiago is joining me
Jasm McIntyre on Seattle Voice.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
He is a chief of Equity.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
And Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Now Many,
I did spend some time working in public health for
Doctor Show as State Secretary of Health, and I saw
what the pandemic did to a lot of people. I
was upfront and center witnessing it, and I one thank
you for everything that you do too. I kind of
(08:12):
want to go back to what you were saying about
the people that you serve. They come from various backgrounds,
and I was wondering how many different languages you provide
when it comes to accessing this healthcare because that was
a huge barrier that eyewitnessed during that time during COVID.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
That is a great question. You know, our web page,
the landing page obviously is in English. However right at
the top you can put it in Spanish. We know
that English and Spanish are the two main languages, yes,
spoken in households in Washington, and that's just the landing page, right.
But when people go to the bottom of the page
at healthpanfinder dot org, people will find most of the
(08:54):
primary languages spoken in households in Washington, so for instance,
simplified Chinese, Monitoring, Vietnamese, Amharic, and we have many many
of the languages that Washingtonian speak now our customer call centers.
They also offer translation services and in total we have
(09:15):
over two hundred languages available for people. Right, so whatever
language you speak, and that includes you know, languages of
Africa as well as many of the indigenous languages of
the Americas, including the United States and Central and South America.
So the most likely scenario is that whatever language you
(09:36):
speak at home, we have it. We have the resources,
whether in written form or through translation services, that we
have access to. So no matter what language you speak,
we're probably we probably have the resources that you need
in your language to help you navigate that this system.
The other thing you know, I may reference to the
(09:56):
network of navigators throughout the state. Many of them speak
the languages of the people because they are in community organizations.
Right Our lead organizations are nonprofits that serve their communities
and they provide several services, and one of them is
these navigator services where the navigators help people well obviously
(10:16):
navigate the system right and select a plan that fits them.
And right now we have navigators who speak obviously English
as well as Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Amheric and Tagalog, Vietnamese
and Chinese. Those are the ones that I remember our
navigator speaking, but certainly they also have access to translation services.
(10:40):
So whereever you are in Washington, whatever language you speak,
we are probably going to be able to help you
because we have access to all these translation services that
are available to you free of cost. So you can
reach out to our navigators, you can reach out to
our customer call center, and we will most likely be
able to help you in your language.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
That is absolutely beautiful.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
Again, Many Santiago joining me here, Jessamin McIntyre, Seattle's Voice,
and I want to drill down a little bit into
the navigators.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
I know you don't want to.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Share a lot of personal information for the people that
are benefiting from the services you provide, But the navigators,
can you tell me how someone gets involved and what
their role is beyond what you've already shared.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
So the navigators, as I said, they work with local nonprofits.
Right the nonprofits are different type of nonprofits in your community.
So we have excuse me, we contract with people with
organizations in Inking County and Spokane and Clark County and Yakima.
We have about eleven lead organizations as well as a
(11:47):
tribal lead organization, So we have a total of twelve
right lead organizations, including the tribal lead organization that are
they have the staff that helped navigate this system. So
our navigators, we call them our navigators, but they are not,
you know, employees of the exchange. They are contracted to
(12:09):
these lead organization network and they are in your community,
so they know what the challenges are. They know how
to get to your home, how to get to your
community center, they know how to get to your town
because they are from those towns, right, And their role
is to help their community to understand and make sense
of the complex as you as you pointed out earlier,
(12:31):
right of the complex system that exists in the United States,
to select a plan on the why health plan finder
dot org platform.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Right.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
So they are not brokers. That's very important to clarify.
They are not there to make money. They are not
there to collect a commission, although we do have over
two thousand we contract with over two thousand brokers who
also help people, you know, make a selection on plans
on the platform. But the navigators, they are there to
answer questions to help you navigate the system. The person
(13:04):
has the autonomy, has the agency to make the choice, right.
So the navigators are not going to steal you to
one plan or the other. They're going to give you
the information that you need to make an informed decision
on what plans, what plan is is best for you.
That's slightly different than a broker who will help you
(13:27):
and can actually make take action on your behalf. The
navigators do not take action on your behalf. They help
you navigate the system and help you with the technical
you know, with the technology that you need to access
the platform. And things like that. And they do these
for free for the customer, right the customer doesn't have
to pay them. They don't get any commission. They're there
(13:48):
to do their job of helping people navigate these And
as I said, these are people in your communities. So
when you go to you know, to any town, to
any city in the state that has a navigating on network,
they know who you are, They know what the challenges
are in your community. They know what is available in
your community beyond health care and access to the providers
(14:12):
because they belong to those communities. So you know, it's
not like a central font system where you call and
the person doesn't know who you are or doesn't know
where you live or what the challenges are. The navigators
are people who are there in your community. Our role
at the exchange with the navigators we have under my department.
We have the Navigators Support Team, and our role is
(14:33):
to keep the navigators informed about the changes in the plans,
about the changes in the platform. We train them, we
help them, we answer questions when the navigators have questions.
But the navigators are, you know, in your community helping
you figure out how to best address your healthcare needs
and access to healthcare because they know what the challenges are.
(14:54):
So it's a wonderful network. I'm very proud of our
navigators and our broker network for sure.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
I am too as a member of my own community.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
I think that everything that you guys are doing is lovely,
especially during some confusing times. So I have a few
questions and also shout out to all the navigators out
there because it sounds like amazing work. And I love
that it's a member of your community because people get nervous.
People do get nervous around people that they don't know,
and especially when it comes to things like this when
(15:23):
they're just trying to provide for themselves, their families and
their loved ones. So again, Manny Santiago is joining me,
and I do have a couple of questions which I
think people would be a little curious about. Is Washington
the first state to open its insurance marketplace to all
including undocumented residents.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
That's a great question, is I mean, so, one of
the things that we're very proud of in Washington is
that Washington is indeed the first state that got authorization
from the federal government to offer our plans through the
exchange to every Washingtonian, regardless of documented status of citizenship status.
(16:07):
So since twenty twenty two, we got the waiver from
the federal government to allow undocumented residents in Washington access
different plans and make a choice in the exchange. Now,
it's very important, especially in today's political climate. Right, it's
very important to clarify that doesn't mean that undocumented residents
are getting subsidies or tax credits from the federal government, right.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
I think people need to know that, yes.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
The federal government still in this country, prevents undocumented residents
on any state to access subsidies and federal support services
for them. However, in Washington, we got the authorization to
sell the product, So if an undocumented resident can afford
the premium, they have that option in the exchange. So
(16:59):
that's one important clarification. The other thing is that in Washington,
because because we were Washington, right, we wanted to help
a little bit more. We know that undocumented residents give
a lot to the economy Washington through you know, sales
tax and property taxes and business tax and they don't
usually they don't receive anything in return. Right, They're playing
(17:20):
all these taxes, all they're contributing to our economy, and
usually they don't receive anything in return because they don't qualify. However,
in Washington, one thing that our legislature this this year
is that they expanded They created this program where not
only can undocumented residents access to exchange and see if
there's a plan that they can afford based on their
(17:41):
budget and their family size and all that, but now
there's also a program where Washingtonians have access. Washingtonians who
don't have proper documentation have access to state subsidies. So
these are not federal subsidies, these are state subsidies. That
program is capped, so it has you know, it's kind
of a pilot program, so it doesn't it doesn't cover
(18:03):
all of the undocumented residents that don't have insurance. There's
a maximum number of subsidies that we are allowed to offer.
But it's important for undocumented residents. If they have the
desire to explore their options, they can see the options
on the exchange in their language and then make a
selection and if there's space in this in this program
(18:26):
of state subsidies, they can you know, qualify for state subsidies. Now,
if an undocumented resident is interested and doesn't qualify for
the for the subsidies and cannot afford the premium because
we know that sometimes the premium it's it can be
quite expensive, right, and we don't have control over the premium.
(18:46):
That's the the insurance companies that set the price. And
so if they don't if they don't qualify for the subsidies,
because the subsidies are already you know used as I said,
that's a cap program, but they want they don't have
the budget to pay for the entrance. We are still
encouraging those un documented residents to go through the process
(19:07):
and apply for a plan, even if they don't complete
you know, the payment and don't get the plan, because
that is the only way that we will have the
numbers to show the legislature, the state legislature that there's
a need to expand that program. Right, So I encourage people,
regardless of of their documented status and the citizenship status
(19:29):
to explore their options on the exchange. And if you
don't qualify for the subsidies, the subsidies program is already capped,
please do you know, submit your application, because those numbers
help us make the case for expanding this program.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
That's really interesting that that could actually benefit the future
of the program just by letting you know, like entering
your information, because you can continue to advocate for so
many people many Santiago, who is the chief of Equity
and Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange, we greatly
appreciate your time, but I'm going to keep you for
(20:03):
a little bit longer.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
I have a few more questions, and I think that
the people who.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Are listening right now would really appreciate knowing some of
these things, because you know, we read Washington Health Benefit
Exchange and you've done a very lovely job of explaining
exactly what you do, but there's a lot that people
don't know about it. So I'm wondering right now, well
enrolling for health insurance affect people's immigration status, you know,
(20:31):
or citizenship, because I think that people might get nervous
by entering their information, and you would understand that as well.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Would that affect anything?
Speaker 3 (20:41):
So yeah, that's very important to clarify as well. And
I'm so thankful that you asked this question because, as
I said, you know, the political climate right now is
a little bit difficult, especially for undocumented residents in Washington
for sure, and throughout the United States. And one very
important thing that we want to that we want to
(21:03):
convey to our undocumented residents is that all the information
that you offer us on the exchange, all your personal information,
is only used to determine your qualification for the state subsidies.
So none of the information that you offer us is
going to be shared with with you know, federal agencies.
(21:24):
It is not it is going to be secured. It
is not going to be shared with with you know,
immigration agents or anything like that. All the information that
you provide if you're undocumented in Washington and a documentary
resident in Washington and come to the exchange to find
that a plan that fits your your budget and you
need all that information is kept confidential and is not
(21:46):
shared with federal authorities. So that's very important that people
understand we are keeping you know, the community as safe
and as possible. Now. I also want to say that
we don't know what changes might come in twenty twenty five,
so that's why it's important to apply now before the
end of the year. You have until December fifteenth to
(22:08):
apply if you want coverage starting in January first. So
I really urge our undocumented residents, especially to rush to
the exchange and try to find a plan that fits
your needs. And yes, we're going to keep that information
private and not share with any you know, with the
immigration officers or anything like that. The other part of
(22:31):
this is, as I said, your information is only used
to determine your eligibility for the subsidies and tax credits
for the state if you're undocumented. And then so, yes,
we're trying to keep the community you know, safe, and
none of the information is going to be shared.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
That is very important for people to know.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
And I think that's why there's hesitation when it comes
to seeking out healthcare, is because it is documented somewhere
and if people know and they have that safety net
that you are not going.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
To affect their status at all. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
There's another thing that I forgot to say, and some
people might be worried about, you know, getting the subsidies
and then being the nied citizenship or a green card
when they apply, because it's what they call what the
federal government calls public charge. You're getting support from, in
this case, the state government. That doesn't happen with this program, again,
(23:32):
because it's a state subsidies, not a federal subsidy. So
if you are, if you're planning on, you know, applying
for a green card or if you qualify in the
future for a green card or residency or citizenship, having
received as subsidies to pay for your healthcare plan is
(23:52):
not going to be considered as a public charge. So
you don't have to worry about that, you know, affecting
in any negative way you immigration situation or your immigration,
your residency or citizenship application.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
Thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Yeah, Manny Santiago is joining me. And people need to
know that. People need to know that they can be
safe while taking care of themselves. And all you are
doing is health and all you're doing is providing information
that people can stay healthy, be healthy, cure things, see
a doctor, and very very much appreciated. This is j
(24:29):
Justamine McIntyre, your host of Seattle Voice, your community Voice
presented by iHeartRadio Seattle, and I do this every show.
I tell a story that I like and I would
like if you could. I know you are very good
at keeping confidentiality, but maybe you can share a starfish
story because I used to read a poem slash short
(24:51):
story with my mother every night going to bed, and
there's a little girl on a beach and there's hundreds
of starfish washed up on the sea, and they were
on the beach, I'm sorry, and it was low tide,
and she's just flinging them in one at a time,
and an old man walks up to her and says,
what are you doing. You can't make a difference, and
(25:13):
there's no way you can save any and she you know,
you can't save them all, and she flings a starfish
into the sea and says, it matters to that one.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
And I saw an iteration.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
Of that actually recently where the old man actually joyfully
starts helping her out. And it seems like you are
in the community enough to have seen some starfish that
have been flung back into the sea, And if you
could share any of those memories, I would really appreciate.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
It, absolutely, So I want to share. You know that
I've heard that story. I grew up in Puerto Rico.
We do have a version of the story.
Speaker 4 (25:53):
I love that. Yes, it's a great story.
Speaker 3 (25:56):
Yes, And as I said, you know, I grew up
in Puerto Ricos. I'm not taking an immigrant, but I
married into an immigrant family, and part of my family
here in Washington. The family that are married into part
of them don't have proper documentation yet, right. And when
this expansion to the healthcare plans and the subsidies happen,
(26:18):
my family was able. My brother in law was able
to actually see the options that he had and thankfully
qualify for these. So this is something that I'm not
saying because, you know, because I'm a worker of and
a staff at the exchange. These are things that are
impacting our families, not only within you know, our community,
but even here at the exchange. These are, you know,
(26:41):
things that are impacting positively our families. And I saw
that firsthand with my brother in law being able to
take advantage of these subsidies and being able to have
health insurance for the first time after nineteen years of
living in this country. Right. So, these are important things
that are happening, and one by one we continue making
strides to you know, to to make people, to have
(27:05):
more people accessing quality healthcare and making sure that our
community are safe, that our communities are healthy, that our
communities have the resources that they need to thrive. That's
what we want. We want a Washington that thrives, and
that's what we're aspiring to and what we see that
is happening when people have access to all of these
programs and these healthcare plans.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Like I said earlier, if we don't have health, we
don't have anything, because that is what is going to
affect you and your family as well. Again, Many Santiago,
Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships for Washington Health Benefit Exchange,
once again, can you share with us exactly where people
can go to access these services?
Speaker 3 (27:47):
Absolutely? Right now. We're in the middle of open enrollment
which started in November first. You have until January fifteenth
to apply for our plan. And if you want your
plan to start on January first, then you have till
December fifteenth, and you can go to whah health Planfinder
dot org. Whah health plan finder dot org. That's our
website where you can find information in your language, and
(28:10):
where you can find information on where their navigators are,
where you can find out broker if you prefer to
work with a broker, and what the number is for
our customer center. So WHAH health plan Finder dot org.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
And don't just look for yourself, look for your families
if you need them. And this is not just for
undocumented citizens even though those are hit the hardest. What
are the other communities who are applicable for this program?
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Every community, every person in Washington has access to the
to whah health planfinder dot org. Any Washingtonian can see
their options for healthcare, heir plans, healthcare plans. If you
are a resident of Washington, a citizen, you you can
have you can have a tax credits, you can have subsidies.
So the program for undoctor into pressed persons is one
(28:58):
particular program. But as you said, this is for every
Washingtonian and very important. If you're a tribal member, if
you're a member, a registered member of the tribe, you
are not, you do not have to wait for open enrollment.
You can enroll at any time during the year. If
you are not a member of our enroll. If you're
not an enrolled member of a tribe, then November first
(29:18):
through January fifteenth, And if you want your plan to
start in January first, then December fifteenth is your deadline
to apply.
Speaker 2 (29:26):
That is perfect, all right, December fifteenth, and once again
that website.
Speaker 3 (29:31):
Ww help planfinder dot org.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
Many.
Speaker 2 (29:34):
It has been an absolute pleasure talking to you. I
love everything that you're doing. Just helping communities. Your navigators
out there who are members of the community. People need
to know that these are trusted individuals and very much
appreciate your time.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
Thank you so much and good luck in everything that
you do.
Speaker 3 (29:53):
Thank you, thank you for having me here, and thank
you for helping us share the good news with all Washingtonians.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Yes, absolutely, you've been listening to Seattle's Voice, presented by
iHeartRadio in Seattle.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
I'm Jessamin McIntyre.
Speaker 2 (30:06):
For show ideas or to find out how your voice
can be heard, email Seattle Voice at Einheart's Radio.
Speaker 1 (30:12):
Ninety three point three kJ r f M, Seattle in
iHeartRadio station, available everywhere on our free iHeartRadio app. Number
one for music, radio and podcasts all in one
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