Washington Health InsuranceIndividuals and Families
Health Plans for Individuals & Families
Low-Cost Washington Health Insurance Coverage Information
Low-cost health coverage options
In general, these programs help people who cannot afford insurance in the individual market. Some programs are designed to help people who are disabled or who have limited incomes and assets. Often, people are not aware they qualify for these programs. Following are several health coverage programs for individuals and families, children, pregnant women and infants, and veterans and active military personnel.
Individuals and families
Alien Emergency Medical (AEM)
AEM is a program for non-citizen aliens with a serious medical condition(s). It helps you pay for medical treatment and bills. Non-citizens, non-qualified aliens, visitors, and qualified aliens can apply for it. You must meet income and assets requirements. For information, call the Department of Social and Health Services at (DSHS) at 1-800-865-7801 or visit www.dshs.wa.gov.
Basic Health
The state of Washington offers Basic Health (BH) to Washington state limited income residents. Individuals who are eligible for Medicare, institutionalized at the time of enrollment, and those attending school full time in the U.S. on a student visa are NOT eligible for BH.
Private insurance companies administer BH. It is a comprehensive health plan that covers:
- prescription drugs
- maternity
- preventive care
- major medical costs
However, BH does not cover:
- eye exams
- dental and hearing exams
- artificial limbs or medical equipment (such as wheelchairs or back braces)
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care is limited to specific circumstances
BH requires you to use a network of providers in your area. Besides paying a monthly premium, you must meet the $150 deductible each year and make a small copayment each time you visit your health care provider. On some services, BH also requires a 20 percent coinsurance payment.
People enrolled in BH pay on a sliding scale, with premiums based on income, age, family size, county of residence, and choice of carrier.
BH may be available for children. For more information, see "Basic Health Plus" on page 13.
You can obtain benefits, rates, and other details by calling 1-800-660-9840, or visit BH at www.basichealth.hca.wa.gov.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Coverage
This program provides screening, diagnosis, and access to treatment for women with breast or cervical cancer, or a related pre-cancerous condition. You must meet income and assets requirements. There are no citizenship requirements. For more information, call the Breast and Cervical Health Program toll free at 1-888-438-2247.
