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Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Apple Health

Are you a Washington resident and need health insurance? You can find a plan using the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. It’s the marketplace for health plans with affordable rates and, for some, low- or no-cost coverage.

Don’t wait: Get covered! We’ve got information here on where to go for help shopping for and choosing a health plan. Many available plans allow you to seek care from UW Medicine.

First stop: Washington Healthplanfinder

The Washington Healthplanfinder (English | Spanish) is a service of the state’s health insurance exchange that can help you: 

Find out if you may be eligible for federal or state financial help to pay premiums or out-of-pocket costs, such as copays.     

Browse plans and compare what your costs may be and the doctors and hospitals available with each plan. 

Enroll in a health plan.

Types of individual and family insurance plans

When you shop through the Washington Healthplanfinder, you’ll be asked for information about your family and income to see what coverage you qualify for.

Based on the information you enter, you’ll be able to view and compare the coverage and costs (if applicable) for: 

Washington Health Exchange plans 

Apple Health (Medicaid) plans

Apple Health Expansion plans

Other good-to-know facts about health insurance

Options to enroll

Option 1-Apple Health (Medicaid): You can enroll any time during the year. For adults 19 or older. This allows individuals and households with countable income under 138% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll.

Option 2-Apple Health Expansion (new): You can start to apply on June 20 for coverage to begin July 1, 2024. For adults 19 or older, regardless of immigration status. This allows individuals and households with countable income under 138% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll. For more information click here. 

Option 3-Washington Health Exchange: The Cascade Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is continuing into 2024. This allows individuals and households with income under 250% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll into a Silver or Gold Cascade Care anytime during the year. This SEP is also available to those who qualify for Immigrant Health Coverage. It allows low-income households additional opportunities to enroll into Cascade Care without a qualifying life event. This option applies if you:

If you are currently enrolled in the Cascade Silver or Gold plan, then there is not an option to change plans under this SEP. Option 4-Washington Health Exchange: There are exceptions to the enrollment deadlines if you have had a significant change in your family or your income. This means you can sign up for a new plan or switch to a plan that better fits your situation. These are called “qualifying life events,” and they include:

You have 60 days after one of these events to enroll in a plan for the first time or change the plan you have for coverage that suits you better.

Health insurance shopping tips

You won’t pay anything for certain services — such as preventive care visits, certain cancer screenings and many vaccinations — with health plans available through the exchange. For many other services, you may be responsible for some or all the costs. 

That’s why it’s wise to take your time checking your options and making a choice. Here are three questions to ask yourself before you choose a health plan: 

What services will you need? – Review what the plans cover for services you expect you may use. Some examples are doctor’s office and urgent care visits, prescriptions, children’s care (including dental and vision services), maternity and birth care, and emergency room visits. 

Are my doctors in the network? – Check to see if doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers you visit (or plan to visit) are in the plan’s network. Confirm with both the plan and the healthcare providers. Some plans do not cover any costs if you visit out-of-network providers. 

What’s ahead for me and my family next year? – Think over if there are any needs you may have in the coming year, such as plans to add a child to your family, a need for ongoing treatment for cancer or a chronic disease, or a scheduled surgery. Compare your costs under each plan you consider. 

Exchange plans, Apple Health and UW Medicine coverage

UW Medicine is "in-network" for several health insurance plans offered through the exchange, the Washington Healthplanfinder. That could matter to you when choosing a plan. 

Generally, you pay less out of pocket when you visit healthcare providers that are in-network. Going out-of-network may require you to pay more toward your deductible or in a copay – or may not be covered at all.

Exchange plans with UW Medicine in network 

BRIDGESPAN HEALTH COMPANY 

COMMUNITY HEALTH PLAN OF WASHINGTON (AUTHORIZED SPECIALTY CARE ONLY DOES NOT INCLUDE PRIMARY CARE)

LIFEWISE HEALTH PLAN OF WASHINGTON

MOLINA HEALTHCARE OF WASHINGTON 

PACIFICSOURCE HEALTH PLANS

PREMERA BLUE CROSS 

REGENCE BLUESHIELD OF WASHINGTON 

UNITED HEALTHCARE OF OREGON, INC. 

Apple Health plans with UW Medicine in network 

APPLE HEALTH (MEDICAID)

UW Medicine is in network with these Medicaid plans, with some exceptions. Ask the health plan about your coverage for services through UW Medicine.

APPLE HEALTH EXPANSION

UW Medicine is in network with these plans, with some exceptions. Ask the health plan about your coverage for services through UW Medicine.

Get help enrolling

Washington Healthplanfinder has representatives who can explain your options, explain financial help available, and walk you through enrolling.    

Call 1-855-WAFINDER (1.855.923,4633) or TTY/TDD 1.855.627.9604. Customer support is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

Or visit Washingtonhealthplanfinder.org 

Enrollment help at UW Medicine

UW Medicine is here to help you understand your healthcare coverage options and enroll in a plan. Please call to schedule an appointment (location information below) or if you have questions: 

Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care: 206.744.3084 

Valley Medical Center: 425.656.5599 or 425.690.3578 

Before you shop: an information checklist

Before contacting Washington Healthplanfinder or UW Medicine, collect this information and have it ready:  

Legal names of everyone to be covered 

Family relationships for each member of the family unit 

Birth dates 

Identification numbers (Social Security numbers or immigration information) 

Proof of immigration status if you're a legal permanent resident 

Proof of tribal status if you're a registered American Indian/Alaska Native 

Income before taxes 

Proof of income if your income has changed since you last filed taxes 

Tax filing status: this is what you report on your IRS tax form 

Current health insurance information (coverage dates, group number and policy number) 

Open enrollment renewal letter from the Washington Exchange (if applicable) 

UW Medicine enrollment sites

UW Medicine - Financial Counseling Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center Appointment Location: Harborview Medical Center 8th Ave Ground West Lobby Call for an appointment (206.744.3084)

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Tuesday

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

UW Medical Center - Northwest Financial Counseling Main Campus: First Floor Lobby 1550 N. 115th Street Seattle WA, 98133 Call for an appointment (206.744.3084)

Monday - Thursday

Friday

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Valley Medical Center Main Campus: Financial Advocates Main Admitting Department 400 S. 43rd Street Renton, WA 98055

Valley Medical Center Patient Financial Services: Customer Service 3600 Lind Avenue, Suite 110 Renton, WA 98058

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

More Information about health insurance in Washington 

Washington Health Benefit Exchange 

King County Public Health 

Washington Apple Health 

Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner 

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