Washington State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – Access

The Insurance Commissioner’s Office has the responsibility of regulating the insurance business in Washington under authority granted by the insurance laws of this state.

The first Insurance Commissioner was elected in 1908. There have been eight elected insurance commissioners since then, including the current Commissioner, Mike Kreidler, who was elected in 2000, and re-elected to a third term in 2008.
Office of the Insurance Commissioner Home Page

Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a helping hand and lifeline for one out of every four Washington residents.

Each year, more than 1.5 million children, families, vulnerable adults and seniors come to DSHS for protection, comfort, food assistance, financial aid, medical care and other services.

As a single agency, DSHS is able to provide services from several programs to meet the multiple needs of the majority of clients.
DSHS Programs and Information

Apple Health for Kids - A Washington State Initiative

Washington Apple Health for Kids brings together children's medical programs under one umbrella. Families only need to complete one application. If your family meets the income eligibility standards, your children will be eligible. Just fill in the quick checklist and compare your income and family size. This will tell you if your children are eligible and if you will need to pay a premium for their coverage. You may also apply now!

You can find more information HERE

Washington Basic Health Program

Basic Health is a subsidized option for those who qualify.

Basic Health offers quality, low-cost health coverage to eligible people who live in Washington State. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) contracts with Community Health Plan of Washington and other health plans to offer Basic Health and Basic Health Plus coverage.

Applying for Basic Health: Basic Health is not currently processing or screening applications for eligibility. New applicants are placed on a waiting list in the order they come in. (There are some exceptions.) When space becomes available in the future, Basic Health will release names from the list in the order of the date they came in. Basic Health will notify applicants when this happens.

To find out more about eligibility or to get on the waiting list, see the Basic Health web site or call 1-800-660-9840.

Washington Health Program

The Washington Health Program is a great way to save money on health insurance and acts as a bridge between Medicaid and regular Individual Health Plans.

The Washington State Health Care Authority offers Washington Health Program through Community Health Plan of Washington.

Washington Health is available in all counties in Washington State. You and your family, as Washington residents, may qualify for the Washington Health Program.

Washington State Health Insurance Pool

Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) was created by the Washington State Legislature to provide access to health insurance coverage to all residents of the state who are denied individual health insurance. WSHIP coverage is also available to residents of Washington State counties where individual health benefit plans or commercial Medicare supplemental insurance is not for sale to the general public.

Washington State Health Insurance Pool Plans For help applying for an individual or OMIP policy, call First Choice Health Insurance, Inc. at 1-888-957-5001 or Request information.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate, assist, and serve as advocates for people with Medicare. SHIBA volunteers help people with Medicare understand their rights and options in health insurance, so that they can make informed choices. Visit SHIBA Help Line Home Page Visit SHIBA Help Line Home Page