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