Washington Health Insurance
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According to the Center for Disease Control, an average of 14.3% of Washington residents went uninsured for Washington health insurance each year from 2001 to 2003.
Free Health Insurance Quotes
To get free quotes on Washington health insurance, enter your zip code into the form below and click "Get My Quotes."
Washington Health Insurance Regulations
Any Washington resident who has health insurance through a group or employer cannot be denied or limited coverage under that group Washington health insurance plan. Individuals looking for individual Washington medical coverage can be denied and limited under certain circumstances. Washington health insurance companies require individuals to complete a health questionnaire before approving the application for health insurance coverage. If the score on the questionnaire is high and above 288 then the Washington health insurance company can turn away the applicant but must give written notice that the applicant is eligible for the state’s high risk pool (Washington State Health Insurance Pool). If the score is less than 288 then the company must offer the individual options for health insurance plans.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Washington health insurance plans can have pre-existing condition policies that limit coverage for conditions for which the individual was diagnosed, treated, or should have been diagnosed, treated, or advised during the six months prior to the beginning of coverage under the new policy. A pre-existing condition period can last no more than nine months. Sometimes prior continuous coverage can be credited towards pre-existing condition exclusion periods.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be considered a pre-existing condition. If the parent’s policy covers dependents, than the individual Washington medical insurance plan automatically covers newborns and adopted children for the first 60 days after birth or adoption. Disabled children may remain under a parent’s policy coverage beyond the age at which dependent coverage usually stops.
Rates
Washington health insurance rates cannot vary due to health. An individual cannot be charged more for a health condition. Washington medical insurance rates can, however, vary due to age, family size, demographics, and type of plan.
Temporary Insurance
Some Washington health insurance companies sell temporary individual health insurance. Individuals who are between policies or employers can consider getting temporary health coverage for a limited time through these plans. Rates vary.
Alternative Washington Health Insurance Options
For individuals who have difficulty obtaining or affording Washington health insurance there are state programs that may help:
- Basic Health & Basic Health Plus for Kids are insurance options for uninsured individuals who meet the income eligibility requirements.
- Washington Medicaid is available to any eligible individual who meets the qualifying criteria.
- Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) is the state’s high risk pool that allows individuals who may be considered “uninsurable” to purchase individual Washington health insurance. Pre-existing condition period may apply.
- Healthy Kids Now! Is the state’s children’s health insurance program that is designed to provide health insurance for children under 19 whose families do not qualify for Medicaid and who may not be able to afford Washington health insurance.
Information on Washington Health Insurance
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, Wash. 98504-0255
Consumer Advocacy — for questions or complaints about your insurance coverage:
(360) 725 - 7080 or 1-800-562-6900
TDD (360) 586-0241
Fax: (360) 586-2018
www.insurance.wa.gov
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine — health insurance education, assistance and advocacy for consumers of all ages:
1-800-562-6900
TDD (360) 586-0241
Fax (360) 389 - 2745
Washington Health Insurance Organizations
According to the Washington department of Insurance, the following is a list of companies that sell individual health insurance in Washington state:
- Regence BlueShield
- Asuris Northwest Health
- Premera BlueCross
- Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound
- KPS Health Plan
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
- Regence BlueShield of Idaho
- Lifewise Health Plan of Washington
The following is a link to the department’s site that lists each company selling individual Washington health insurance and their plans:
www.insurance.wa.gov
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