The D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority was established in the District of Columbia to develop and operate the District’s on-line health insurance marketplace in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, thereby ensuring access to quality and affordable health care to District of Columbia residents and small businesses.

Summary of Services

In March of 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was signed into law with the central goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. It enabled implementation of significant health insurance reforms including the establishment of Health Benefit Exchanges nationwide. The D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority is a quasi-governmental agency of the District of Columbia government charged with implementing and operating the District’s Health Benefit Exchange. The Health Benefit Exchange operates DC Health Link, an online marketplace for District residents and small businesses. DC Health Link fosters competition and transparency in the private health insurance market, enabling individuals and small businesses to compare health insurance prices and benefit and to purchase affordable, quality health insurance. Through DC Health Link residents can qualify for lower premiums and cost sharing reductions and enroll in a health plan that best meets their needs. The District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority is now in its eleventh year of operation and concluded its tenth open enrollment period for people purchasing individual insurance on January 31, 2023.