Required Services by Washington Health Insurance Companies
Complementary and alternative providers
Washington state law requires state-regulated insurers to cover services provided by all of the state's licensed categories of health care providers including, but not limited to:
- chiropractors
- medical doctors
- acupuncturists
- naturopaths
- physician assistants
- registered nurses
- podiatrists
- nurse midwives
- massage therapists
Most health care plans restrict enrollees to providers in their own network, and may require you to visit your primary care provider for a referral.
Insurance companies are required to provide adequate networks that contain every category of provider so you have the full range of options the law requires. Also, your plan must cover your condition, and its treatment must fall within a provider's practice.
This law applies to all state-regulated plans. It does not apply to self-funded employer plans or union trusts, which are exempt from state regulation under federal law. If you're not sure what type of plan you have, call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
"Free Look"
When you receive your new policy, read it carefully.
Every individual health care insurance policy sold in the state of Washington has a 10-day "Free Look" period.
If you are not satisfied for any reason, you may return the policy within 10 days after you receive it to the company or agent. They will void the policy and provide you with a full refund of your premium.
Keep your previous coverage until you have reviewed your new policy to ensure continuous coverage.
Information on the "Free Look" period is printed or attached to the face sheet of your policy.
Resources:
- » The Best Time to Purchase Long-Term Care Health Insurance Coverage
- » Other Sources of Long-Term Health Insurance Coverage
- » Using a Home Equity Loan or Reverse Mortgage to Pay for Long-Term Care
- » Alternate Sources of Funding for Children with Disabilities
- » A Table Looking At Paying For Coverage for Home-based Care and Long-term Care
Articles:
- » The Need for Expansion and Standardization in Long-Term Health Care Policies
- » The Future of Health Insurance in America
- » More Observations on the Future of Health Insurance in America
Washington Health Guide Pages:
- » Understanding Your Washington Health Insurance Options
- » Defining your Washington Health Insurance Eligibility
- » Employment-Based Washington Health Insurance Coverage
- » Information on COBRA Regarding Washington Health Insurance
- » Individual & Family Washington Health Insurance Coverage
- » Washington Individual Health Insurance Market & Health Screening
- » Shopping for Affordable Washington Health Insurance Coverage
- » More Washington Health Insurance Shopping Tips
- » Required Services by Washington Health Insurance Companies
- » Filing Claims with Washington Health Insurance Companies
- » Knowing Your Rights Regarding Washington Health Insurance Coverage
- » Dealing with Complaints Regarding Washington Health Insurance
- » Low-Cost Washington Health Insurance Coverage Information
- » More Types of Low-Cost Washington Health Insurance Care Coverage
- » Washington Health Insurance Coverage for Children, Pregnant Mothers & Veterans
- » Washington Health Insurance Resources & Contact Information
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