Washington Health Program

washington health program logoSince 1993, the Washington State Health Care Authority has offered a Basic Health Plan. Basic Health provides affordable health care coverage for Washington State residents. The same people who brought you this lifeline now offer another option — with fewer restrictions, low cost, and just as reliable.

As a Washington resident, you and your dependents could qualify for the Washington Health Program. This unique program offers either $75,000 or $100,000 in health insurance coverage every year you are enrolled. Members maintain low deductibles and, at times, no cost coverage for health services. You also have coverage for unexpected trips to the hospital. In the majority of cases, $75,000 or $100,000 is plenty of coverage.

Washington Health offers access to statewide coverage by partnering with Community Health Plan of Washington. Once a member, you will get high-quality, comprehensive health care coverage. Community Health Plan's network includes more than 540 primary care clinics, 2,365 providers, 13,571 specialists, and 100 hospitals.

Eligibility

Washington Health is available to anyone who lives in Washington and:

  • Is not eligible for free or purchased Medicare.
  • At the time of enrollment, is not confined to an institution.
  • Is ineligible for coverage under the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) or qualifies to bypass the standard health questionnaire under state law.
  • Is not receiving Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) medical assistance (Medicaid) or subsidized Basic Health benefit.

To apply, visit the HCA Applying for Washington Health Program web page.

Standard Health Questionnaire

As required by law, most applicants applying for Washington Health coverage must complete and pass the Standard Health Questionnaire (SHQ), or health screen. Developed by the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP), the SHQ is used to ask about applicants' recent coverage and medical history. Washington Health will use the SHQ to determine eligibility for coverage.

Following application for coverage and a completed SHQ, if the enrollee does not pass the health screen, that person will be denied coverage for Washington Health and referred to WSHIP for coverage. Applicants who are denied coverage may appeal to the Health Care Authority.

Benefits

The list of services covered under Washington Health, called the “Schedule of Benefits,” is in Appendix A of the Washington Health Program Member Handbook (also called the Certificate of Coverage).

The Community Health Plan Washington Health Program Medical Benefits Summary also explains benefits and services.

Washington Health Program Member Health Information Portal

Members of Washington Health Program are invited to use the new Health Information Portal (HIP). This online service enables you to get up-to-date information about your Community Health Plan eligibility, benefits, authorizations for service, and claims and to enroll in a disease management program.

If you are a member of the Community Health Plan Washington Health Program and want to sign up to access the Community Health Plan Health Information Portal, click here.

Washington Health Program members also get free access to health risk assessment tools and rich health information through the WorldDoc 24/7 Personal Health Management System. If you are a Washington Health Program member, you are welcome to log on and use these resources.

More information

For more information about Washington Health Program:

Find a Participating Provider or Specialist

To find a participating provider or specialist, including the provider's location, qualifications, languages spoken, and availability:

  • To get more information about a provider's professional qualifications and specialty, see the Provider Hospital, and Clinic search.
  • If you want more information about our PCPs and specialists--such as medical school attended, residency completed, and board certification status--please contact  the Community Health Plan customer service team at 1-800-440-1561, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, or email customercare@chpw.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please call TTY 1-866-816-2479 (toll free) or local 206-613-8875.