Washington Health Insurance
Looking for a Washington health insurance policy that doesn't empty your pockets? Let InsureMe, your one-stop-shop for Washington health insurance, help you find what you need. We've been assisting consumers like you by locating the most comprehensive, competitive Washington health insurance quotes since 1993.
Protect your future. Contact us today for your free quotes!
Washington Health Insurance Information
Constantly-rising health care costs have impacted most everyone in Washington state. About 944,000 Washingtonians—or over 15 percent—have no health insurance, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Several different types of Washington health insurance are available based on your own needs, finances and other personal circumstances. Examine your own situation closely before making a purchasing decision. Talk to family, friends and others who have already purchased their own Washington health insurance. Ask questions and become informed. This will empower you to find the coverage most closely tailored to your own life.
Keep informed on updates in Washington law regarding your health care rights and responsibilities. This will help ensure the health care coverage you expect when you need it most. Stay in contact with your Washington health insurance agent, as he or she can answer any questions you may have about your policy, including coverage changes.
What Is Available
You can buy Washington health insurance from one of two major categories:
- Employer plans: Consists of group plans available through your employer, self-employed plans you purchase yourself as a business owner, professional organization and association plans you get through your association with a particular industry or professional group, and COBRA benefits you acquire through a small employer or bring with you from a previous job.
- Individual/family plans: More commonly known as commercial health plans. These include managed-care plans such as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), fee-for-service (or "major medical") plans, PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) and Point-of-Service plans.
The largest percentage of insured Washington residents has employer health insurance plans. However, those who are not employed or do not have insurance through their spouse's employer should consider an individual or family plan.
Talk to a licensed Washington health insurance agent or company for explanations of these plans, and to determine which type best suits your individual needs.
Please note: Read each Washington health insurance policy's terms and conditions carefully before purchase. Read even the small print, and make sure you understand your coverage completely before signing or agreeing to a policy.
Your Rights
The Washington state legislature passed "The Patient Bill of Rights" in 2000 to ensure you receive quality health care when you need it. This bill provides you with the right to:
- Information regarding your own Washington health insurance plan
- Quick and impartial appeals when you are denied coverage
- Independent, third-party reviews of coverage denials
- Protection from invasions to your privacy
- Compensation for damages resulting from not getting needed care, or getting insufficient care, from your managed-care provider
Your Washington Insurance Commissioner's Office offers free, specialized health insurance education, assistance and information. For more information on your health insurance rights, or for help with your insurance concerns, contact the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Helpline at 800-397-4422.
Shopping for Health Insurance
Following are some tips to help make your Washington health insurance shopping easier:
- Fill out applications accurately and completely
- Make sure you understand what you are buying
- Verify all company & agent licenses
- Do not be misled by advertising
- Do not permit high-pressure tactics by health insurance agents/companies
- Comparison shop using InsureMe
Need More Information?
For more Washington health insurance information, please examine our FAQ section. You may also call the Washington State Insurance Commissioner's Consumer Hotline at 800-562-6900, or access them online at http://www.insurance.wa.gov.
The savings are just a click away!
Now that you have the information you need to make an informed decision, don't let anything stop you from getting the coverage—and savings—you deserve. Complete our quote box at the top of this page now, get up to five free quotes and click your way to the health insurance savings!
