| Is it possible to get low cost health | | | | provides health insurance to Washington |
| insurance in Washington? The numbers seem to | | | | residents who have been denied coverage |
| say no. Health insurance premiums increased | | | | through private health insurance companies. |
| by 19-24 percent each year from 1997-2001. | | | | |
| However, you can still find low cost health | | | | For more information on this program go to: |
| insurance if you know where to look. | | | | |
| | | | Do Some Comparison Shopping |
| Explore State Sponsored Programs | | | | |
| | | | If you don't qualify for any of these |
| Washington offers several state-sponsored | | | | state-sponsored health plans, you'll need to |
| programs to help low-income residents afford | | | | explore private health insurance. The best |
| health insurance: | | | | way to find an affordable private health |
| | | | insurance plan is to use an insurance |
| * Washington Basic Health program, which | | | | comparison website to compare rates. You'll |
| provides reduced-cost health care coverage | | | | find that insurance companies have different |
| through private health plans to Washington | | | | prices for similar insurance policies. |
| state residents who don't qualify for | | | | Therefore, you can save hundreds of dollars a |
| Medicare, but meet the Basic Health program | | | | year by comparison shopping. |
| financial guidelines. Monthly premiums for | | | | |
| this program are based on age, income, family | | | | On an insurance comparison website you'll |
| size, and health plan chosen. | | | | fill out a simple form with information about |
| | | | yourself and your health insurance needs. |
| For more information on this program go to: | | | | Then you'll receive quotes from multiple |
| basichealth.hca.wa.gov | | | | A-rated insurance companies. |
| | | | |
| * Washington State Children's Health | | | | You may have questions about your health |
| Insurance Program, which provides free or | | | | insurance options, so look for an insurance |
| low-cost health insurance for children. | | | | comparison website that offers an online chat |
| | | | feature. With this feature, you can talk with |
| For more information on this program go to: | | | | insurance professionals and get answers to |
| fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/chip | | | | all your health insurance questions (see link |
| | | | below). |
| * Washington State Health Insurance Pool | | | | |