For Immediate Release: January 9, 2023

Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board announces new CEO

Ingrid Ulrey, MPP, comes to the Exchange at a pivotal time in the organization’s history Olympia, WA

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) Board is happy to announce it has selected the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer — Ingrid Ulrey.

“After an extensive nationwide search, we’re excited to announce Ingrid Ulrey will be joining the Exchange as its next CEO,” Exchange Board Chair Ron Sims said. “We had a truly impressive candidate pool, making it a difficult decision.  We are thankful to all the people who expressed interest in the position.”

Ulrey has more than 20 years’ experience in leading health systems transformation and public health – internationally, nationally and in Washington state. Most recently, Ulrey was Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Region 10 — which encompasses Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska and the 272 federally-recognized tribes within them. In that role, she worked closely with leaders across the four states on a variety of initiatives, including COVID response and recovery, reproductive health care access, and planning for the end of the public health emergency (PHE).

Prior to her service with HHS, Ulrey also worked with Public Health – Seattle & King County, AARP, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and more. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of California and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University.

Ulrey’s years of diversified experience will help lead the Exchange into the future as it works to continually improve Washingtonians’ access to quality, affordable, and equitable health care. As CEO of the Exchange, Ulrey will oversee the modernization of Healthplanfinder, Cascade Care Savings’ inaugural run and the momentous launch of Immigrant Health Coverage in the 2024 plan year.

“We enthusiastically welcome Ingrid and look forward to working with her on achieving our future goals!” Sims said.

Ulrey will officially join the Exchange on March 1, 2023.

There’s still time to enroll in a 2023 plan

Need help enrolling in next year’s plan? The Exchange partners with a network of brokers, navigators and enrollment centers across the state. Visit Washington Healthplanfinder’s Virtual Help Details page for more information and to find an assister near you.

Customers can also enroll in 2023 coverage online through Jan. 15, by visiting wahealthplanfinder.org, or by calling the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633. Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center will have extended hours during open enrollment. The center will be open and ready to aid customers from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on the weekends and holidays. The following adjustments have been made to the center’s schedule; extended hours are subject to change:

  • Additional open hours:
    • Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Jan. 15, 7:30 a.m. to midnight

 

Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

 

About Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Healthplanfinder is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. Open enrollment for Washington Healthplanfinder is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2023. Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

About Washington Apple Health

In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act launched in October 2013, more people have access to preventive care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority, www.hca.wa.gov