Washington Unemployment Health Insurance Options

In 1989 Washington state provided the first state-funded health insurance for residents. Between 1990 and 1995, Maine, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey also created state-funded health insurance programs. Washington Basic Health is a nonsubsidized insurance providing low-cost health insurance coverage for unemployed participants and their families. Private health insurance companies provide coverage to individuals living in specific Washington counties. A county may have more than one health insurance company providing coverage.

Eligibility

• Washington basic health is available for everyone residing in the state of Washington who satisfies an income level and a family count as defined in the program and shown on the application forms. Participants must not be eligible to receive free or purchased Medicare, be institutionalized at enrollment time or be attending school in the United States on a student visa. Participants must not be currently enrolled in any other Washington Health Program or receiving Department of Social and Health Services medical assistance.

Monthly Premiums

• The premium is calculated on the age of the participant and the number of family members covered. Costs are based on the annual benefit limit chosen, use of tobacco products and county residence. The monthly premium is determined by gross family income. For the self-employed, the premium is based on the past 12 months' income and expenses. The participant is responsible for reporting any change to income, family size and address. Each member shares in the coverage costs for co-pays, 20 percent co-insurance and $250 annual deductibles. The out-of-pocket maximum cost is $1,500 annually.

Application for Insurance

• There are three ways to apply for Washington Health. You may apply online and mail your proof of address; download the application packet from the Internet, complete it and mail it; or have the application packet mailed to your home for completion and mailing. A proof of address must be mailed to Washington Health Program, P.O. Box 42714, Olympia, WA 98504-2714 or faxed to 360-923-2610. Proof of address can be a copy of your current utility bill showing your physical street address, a copy of your Washington State driver's license or ID card, rent or mortgage receipt or a current school registration.

Benefits

• The Washington Basic Health insurance covers benefits for doctor and hospital care services, including preventive care. It also provides benefits for emergency services and prescription drugs.