Washington

The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Washington. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit our home page.  

Washington Department of Insurance - (800) 562-6900
In Washington, insurance companies must offer individual health insurance policies to all people who pass a state health screening questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to identify the sickest individuals living in the state. If you are identified by the questionnaire as too sick for an individual health insurance policy, you become eligible to purchase coverage from the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP). WSHIP is described in more detail below. Please remember that you can never be turned down for health insurance coverage that is offered by your employer or your spouses’ employer (if they offer coverage to family members) because of any health conditions you may have.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Department of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Basic Health & Basic Health Plus for Kids - (800) 660-9840
Basic Health is a health insurance option for individuals who are uninsured and who meet Basic Health’s income guidelines. Contact Basic Health for more information and to apply.

Washington Medicaid - (800) 737-0617
Medicaid is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) - (800) 877-5187
The Washington State Health Insurance Pool is the state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. Premiums may be high, and a pre-existing condition period may apply. Contact WSHIP for more information.

Healthy Kids Now! - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (877) KIDS-NOW
Healthy Kids Now! is the health insurance program designed to provide coverage to children and teens under age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.