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Basic Health Insurance

Important News: Basic Health has a waiting list to get enrolled.

What do I need to know about the waiting list?

  • As of May 4, Basic Health is no longer processing incoming applications and will put people that apply on a waiting list (except for certain cases like if you are already on Basic Health and have a baby).
  • Read Basic Health’s wait-list policy to learn more about which people do not need to wait to get enrolled.
  • Over 90,000 people are already waiting to be enrolled in coverage and new applicants will be placed on a list behind those currently waiting.

Pregnant Women and Children

Eligible pregnant women and children under 19 years of age may still apply for the Maternity Benefits Program or for Basic Health Plus. However, these applications will be sent directly to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Read more about the programs below.

Basic Health Plus

Children under age 19 may be eligible for free health coverage through Basic Health Plus. There are no premiums, no deductibles, and no co payments. In addition to Basic Health benefits, kids on Basic Health Plus get extra services, such as dental coverage and eyeglasses. Basic Health Plus is a joint program of the Health Care Authority-Basic Health and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS determines eligibility for the program. For more information, visit Basic Health.

Maternity Benefits Program

The Maternity Benefits Program is a Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) program for pregnant women who are Basic Health members and meet the eligibility guidelines for Medicaid. The program allows you to get extra services not covered by Basic Health, with no copay, no premiums, and no waiting period for preexisting conditions. DSHS determines eligibility for the program.

Are there other options for health insurance?

  • For private health insurance options, call the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Helpline at 1-800-562-6900.
  • To find a medical clinic in your community that offers services at a reduced cost (called a sliding fee), call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

About Basic Health

Basic Health Insurance is a state-sponsored program through the Health Care Authority (HCA). Basic Health provides coverage through private health plans for doctor and hospital care, emergency services, and prescription drugs. Program eligibility is based on your family size and countable income. There is a choice of health care plans in most counties.

Monthly premiums are based on age, income, family size, and the health plan chosen. There are no co payments for preventive care services. There is a $250 annual deductible, a $1500 annual out-of-pocket maximum, and a 20 percent coinsurance on some services.

Basic Health Insurance does not cover dental or vision services.

To put your name on the waiting list:

  • Call Basic Health at 1-800-660-9840 and give them your name, address and phone number.

OR

Income Guidelines:

Income guidelines effective July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010

Family Size Monthly Income
1 Up to $1,805.09
2 Up to $2,428.45
3 Up to $3,051.81
4 Up to $3,675.18
5 Up to $4,298.54
6 Up to $4,921.91
7 Up to $5,545.27
8 Up to $6,168.64
9 Up to $6,792.00
10 Up to $7,415.37
11 Up to $8,038.73
12 Up to $8,662.09
13 Up to $9,285.46
14 Up to $9,908.82
15 Up to $10,532.19
16 Up to $11,155.55
17 Up to $11,778.92

Questions about Basic Health?

If you have questions about Basic Health or these options, call 1-800-660-9840 or visit Basic Health.