Health Insurance in Washington

Find plans and explore healthcare options in the Evergreen State.

Understanding Washington's Healthcare System

Washington State manages its health insurance landscape under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through its own state-based marketplace, **Washington Healthplanfinder** (wahealthplanfinder.org). This platform is the official source for individuals and families to compare and enroll in private health insurance plans and access federal financial assistance. Washington also offers additional state-funded subsidies called **Cascade Care Savings** to further reduce premium costs for eligible residents purchasing specific Cascade Care plans through the marketplace. The state expanded its Medicaid program, known as **Apple Health**, providing comprehensive coverage to low-income individuals and families. Additionally, Washington regulates **short-term health plans more strictly** than federal rules allow.

Navigating coverage in Washington primarily involves using Washington Healthplanfinder to explore private plan options, determine eligibility for both federal and state financial aid (Cascade Care Savings), and apply for Apple Health (Medicaid). Understanding these integrated resources is key for residents seeking affordable, quality coverage.

Staying informed about the Washington Healthplanfinder Open Enrollment period, eligibility for Apple Health, and the availability of Cascade Care Savings is crucial for accessing the best coverage options. Use our free tools to get an instant quote or evaluate local market rates for plans available through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Map of Washington highlighting healthcare

Washington Health Insurance Coverage ()

Employer

~51%

Non-Group

~7%

Apple Health (Medicaid/CHIP)

~24%

Medicare

~15%

Military

~4%

Uninsured

~5.5%

Source: Approximate percentages based on KFF analysis of 2023 ACS data. Note: Categories may overlap; percentages may not sum exactly to 100%.

Washington Health Facts at a Glance

Overall Health Ranking

#7

Est. Population (2025)

~8.0 M

Avg. Lifespan

~78.2 yrs

Avg. Hospital Stay / Day

~$3,500+

Avg. Health Expenditure / Person

$9,265*

Number of Hospitals

~100+

*Avg. Health Expenditure per capita (KFF, 2020 data). Other stats based on most recent available data (2021-2025) - All stats are illustrative and need updating.

Health Insurance Programs for Washington Residents

Washington residents have access to health coverage through several state and federal programs, aiming for broad access and affordability:

  • Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org): The state's official health insurance marketplace. This is where individuals and families compare and enroll in private Qualified Health Plans and access federal premium tax credits. It's also the only place to access additional state subsidies through the **Cascade Care Savings** program for eligible individuals enrolled in Cascade Care plans.
  • Apple Health: Washington's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Apple Health provides comprehensive free or low-cost health coverage to eligible children, pregnant individuals, parents/caretakers, adults covered by the ACA expansion, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Medicare: The federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, and younger individuals with certain qualifying disabilities.
  • Patient Assistance Programs: Various programs may be available from drug manufacturers or non-profits to help lower prescription costs.

The combination of the state marketplace with enhanced subsidies and expanded Apple Health provides numerous pathways to coverage.

Washington Short-Term Health Insurance

Important Note: Short-Term Health Insurance is RESTRICTED in Washington State.

Washington state law places significant restrictions on short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, making them different from federal allowances and potentially unavailable. Key state regulations include:

  • Maximum plan duration is limited to **three months**.
  • Short-term plans **cannot be renewed**.
  • Individuals cannot have short-term coverage for more than three months in any 12-month period.

Furthermore, reports indicate that **no insurance carriers were actively offering even these restricted short-term plans** in Washington as of 2022-2024. These plans are not ACA-compliant, exclude pre-existing conditions, and lack essential health benefits.

Due to these strict limits and likely lack of availability, short-term plans are not a viable option for most coverage needs in Washington. Residents should focus on comprehensive plans through Washington Healthplanfinder, Apple Health, or employer coverage.

Finding Health Coverage In Washington

Finding health insurance in Washington involves using the state's marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, to explore private plan options and public programs like Apple Health. Employer-sponsored coverage remains a primary source for many.

Washington Open Enrollment via Washington Healthplanfinder

Open Enrollment for individual and family health plans in Washington State occurs through the official state marketplace, **Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org)**. The enrollment period typically aligns with the federal dates, running from **November 1st through January 15th** each year. Check the Washington Healthplanfinder website for exact dates annually. This is the main time to enroll in or change private plans for the upcoming year. Enrolling through Washington Healthplanfinder is necessary to access federal subsidies and state Cascade Care Savings. Applications for Apple Health (Medicaid) can be submitted year-round.

Washington Health Insurance Quotes & Costs

ACA-compliant private health plans are available through **Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org)**. This is the exclusive platform for eligible Washingtonians to access federal premium tax credits AND state-funded **Cascade Care Savings**, which provide additional premium assistance for those enrolling in specific Cascade Care plans (typically Silver or Gold) with incomes up to 250% FPL. Comparing plans from participating carriers based on total cost (premium minus federal/state aid), benefits, and provider networks is vital. Our free quoting service can help explore options available via Washington Healthplanfinder. Enter your zip code to compare plans and connect with certified Navigators or brokers for free assistance.

Major Health Insurance Providers in Washington

Washington's health insurance marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, features a relatively diverse set of carriers offering plans, though availability is often regional. Major participants commonly include:

  • Regence BlueShield
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Kaiser Permanente (KP Washington)
  • Lifewise Health Plan of Washington
  • Molina Healthcare of Washington
  • Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
  • PacificSource Health Plans
  • UnitedHealthcare (May offer plans in certain areas/years)
  • BridgeSpan Health Company

Use the plan comparison tools on wahealthplanfinder.org to confirm carrier availability and network options in your specific county.

Review plan details, provider access, and estimated costs carefully. Free help from Washington Healthplanfinder Navigators and certified brokers is available across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Washington

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Washington?

No, **Washington State does not have an individual mandate** requiring residents to have health insurance or pay a state tax penalty. The federal penalty for not having coverage is also $0. While coverage is not mandated by penalty, it is highly recommended for accessing healthcare and avoiding potentially significant medical debt.

What's the Cost of Health Insurance in Washington?

Costs for private health insurance vary based on age, location, plan choice, family size, and tobacco use. Washington offers significant financial help through **Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org)**. Eligible residents can receive federal premium tax credits AND state-funded **Cascade Care Savings** (for Cascade Care plans, income up to 250% FPL), making premiums more affordable. Free or low-cost coverage is available via **Apple Health** (Medicaid/CHIP) for those who qualify based on income. Use the tools on Washington Healthplanfinder or our free estimate tool to explore potential costs and savings.

How to Secure Health Insurance in Washington?

Residents of Washington can obtain health coverage through:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans: Coverage offered through work.
  • Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org): The official state marketplace to compare and enroll in private plans, access federal subsidies, and state Cascade Care Savings. Also used to apply for Apple Health. Enroll in private plans during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15) or SEP.
  • Apple Health (Medicaid/CHIP): Free or low-cost coverage for eligible residents. Apply year-round via Washington Healthplanfinder or the Health Care Authority.
  • Medicare: Federal program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.
  • Directly from Insurance Companies: Purchase plans off-marketplace (no financial help available).
  • Short-Term Plans are RESTRICTED: Limited to 3 months, non-renewable, and likely unavailable. Not a viable option for most.
Free enrollment assistance is available through Washington Healthplanfinder Navigators and certified brokers.

The Impact of Obamacare on Washington Insurance Rates

The ACA (Obamacare) led Washington State to create its own marketplace, **Washington Healthplanfinder**, and fully expand **Medicaid (Apple Health)**. These actions significantly reduced the state's uninsured rate. Washington has further built upon the ACA by implementing **Cascade Care Savings**, using state funds to provide additional premium assistance beyond federal subsidies for certain plans sold on the marketplace. While healthcare costs remain a national challenge, Washington's implementation of the ACA, combined with state innovations, has demonstrably improved access to and affordability of comprehensive health coverage for its residents. The state's strict limits on short-term plans also reinforce the focus on quality coverage.

Bottom Line

Finding health insurance in Washington involves leveraging the state's marketplace, **Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org)**, for private plans, federal subsidies, and state-funded Cascade Care Savings. Also check eligibility for comprehensive coverage through **Apple Health** (Medicaid/CHIP). Compare plans from carriers like Premera, Regence, and Kaiser during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15). Remember that short-term plans are heavily restricted and likely unavailable. Use the resources and free assistance offered through Washington Healthplanfinder. Our quote tool or estimate tool can help you explore options and potential costs to secure the right coverage in Washington State.