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Life changes, and sometimes your eligibility changes with it. When this happens, you may need to change your health plan. Luckily, that can mean you qualify for plans and savings you did not have before. Read on to find out how your plans can change for the better.
Types of health plans
Apple Health
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Apple Health is the name for Medicaid in Washington. It offers free or low-cost coverage for those who qualify.
- Free or low-cost
- Covers essential health benefits
- Sign up at any time
- Only available on Washington Healthplanfinder™
Cascade Care
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You get more for your money with Cascade Care. You can get care without worrying if you can afford it up front.
- Cascade Care Savings cuts costs
- Covers more services before the deductible
- Only on Washington Healthplanfinder
Browse plans
Washington Healthplanfinder offers plans and savings that are not available elsewhere.
- All plans cover essential health benefits
- All plans meet quality, cost and access standards
Benefits of Cascade Care plans
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Cascade Care plans offer more coverage and ways to save than non-Cascade Care plans. They are only available through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Cascade Care Savings
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Cascade Care Savings reduces the cost of your health plan’s premium. If you qualify, the state will pay a part of your premium. Many people who change to a Cascade Care plan qualify for Cascade Care Savings.
Savings that add up
The savings can add up when you choose Cascade Care. Covered preventative services, new ways to save and more pre-deductible coverage all contribute to more money saved as your coverage continues.
More coverage
Cascade Care plans offer more coverage for less cost. They cover more services than most plans before you must meet the deductible. This includes primary care, mental health services, generic drugs and more.
Wider networks
If you are changing from Apple Health to a Cascade Care plan, you may have access to a wider network. Cascade plans and other qualified health plans often cover more providers and facilities than your managed care plan did.
Eligibility changes
When your situation changes, your eligibility can change with it. Maybe you get a raise, and you no longer qualify for Apple Health. Maybe your partner loses their job, and you now qualify for premium savings. No matter what happens, you can find a plan you can afford on Washington Healthplanfinder.
Moving on from Apple Health
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Apple Health provides low-cost care to many people, but some life events may call for a change of plan. Luckily, the odds are that you qualify for a new type of health plan: a Cascade Care plan. These plans offer better coverage and new ways to save.
New ways to save
If you newly qualify for Cascade Care, you may qualify for new savings. Tax credits and Cascade Care Savings reduce the amount you pay monthly. Cost-sharing reductions lower your out-of-pocket costs. Find out how much you can save by applying for a Cascade Care Silver plan.
Special enrollment periods
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Some life events let you sign up for a health plan outside of open enrollment. This is called a special enrollment period. Qualifying life events include job loss, birth, adoption, marriage and more. You have 60 days from the event to apply for a special enrollment period.
Income changes
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Your household income affects the plans and savings you qualify for. It is important to update your income in your account if it changes. Doing this ensures you get the best plan and savings for your current situation.
Keep your income current
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Let us know when your monthly income changes by $150 or more. If your income decreases, you may qualify for more savings. If it increases and you do not update your income, you may have to pay back tax credits.
How to report income
Everyone’s income is different. You may be self-employed or have income that varies month to month. Maybe you have income from multiple adults. Whatever your situation, you can use Washington Healthplanfinder. Learn how to report income.
What income to report
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The income you report on Washington Healthplanfinder is a lot like what you report on your tax return. Include the amount each adult on your plan makes. Wages, self-employment income and unemployment benefits should all be reported.
Household changes
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The number of people in your household affects the income requirements for savings. If your household changes, report a change in your account. This way you know you are getting the most savings possible.
Frequently asked questions
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If you have questions about your Apple Health coverage, contact Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA).
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)
PO Box 45531
Olympia, WA 98504
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST (except state holidays)
Phone: 1-800-562-3022
Email: [email protected]
Online: Secure web form
Local assistance: HCA community-based specialists
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To add or remove a household member from coverage, follow these steps:
- Sign into your account.
- Select “Report a Change” from the dashboard.
- Answer the questions that apply to you.
- Submit your application.
You will get new results once you report your changes. These results will tell you:
- If you qualify for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) or a Qualified Health and Dental Plan
- If you qualify for special enrollment
- The amount of savings you can get
Your eligibility for plans or savings may change when you add or remove a household member.
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You can use Smart Planfinder to search for plans that cover specific providers, facilities or prescriptions. You can select up to five providers and five prescriptions in the tool.
When you choose a plan based on provider, we recommend calling the provider to verify. Covered providers can change throughout the year. Though we keep records up to date, it is safest to ask the provider if they accept that plan.
Resources
Language support
We offer support in over 200 languages at no cost to you. This includes interpreters, materials and more.
Support in your area
Brokers around the state provide support with getting coverage. They can answer your questions and help you enroll.
Find answers
Find the answers to common questions about your Washington Healthplanfinder account, application and more.