What’s New for Professionals
Information of interest to professionals about state-sponsored health insurance and food resources in Washington State.
New State Benefit Income Guidelines Begin April 1st
Income guidelines for State benefit insurance programs (Medicaid/CHIP) and food assistance programs (Basic Food) are increasing on April 1st. Families who may not have qualified before, could qualify under the new income levels. Review the new guidelines.
WithinReach Now Offering Free Developmental Screening Through Help Me Grow WA
Help Me Grow WA is a free program that connects families to the resources needed to give kids the best start and to make sure they are growing and developing on track. There are no income guidelines or waitlist to participate. Help Me Grow WA offers free developmental screening for all families with children under age five. Additional services include age-specific activities and games; connections to community resources and state benefit programs; and verified referrals into the early intervention system. Access to these systems significantly improves a child’s chances for healthy development and school readiness.
Watch Ginelle’s story to hear how Help Me Grow WA affected her family.
Washington’s Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan Suspends Enrollment
This plan provides a health insurance option to eligible individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who have been uninsured for at least six months. There is no waiting period –medical coverage is available right away. Applications will be accepted until March 2, 2013. Under health care reform, individuals with pre-existing conditions will be eligible for medical coverage and can apply starting October 1, 2013 for coverage that begins January 1, 2014. For more information, call 877-505-0514 or visit the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan website.
Renewal Form for Children’s and Family Medical Benefits now online
Beginning January 14, 2013, most households receiving Washington Apple Health family and/or children’s medical will be able to complete their renewal form online at www.washingtonconnection.org. This process will be easier and faster and users will receive electronic confirmation the renewal form has been received by the state. Learn more.
Auto-enrollment of newborns onto Medicaid
Effective October, 15, 2012, the Medicaid enrollment process will be triggered when Washington Connection reports the birth of a child. Hospitals and other medical providers, friends, family, and caregivers can assist parents with this process. Anyone can report the birth of a child online at www.WashingtonConnection.org.
Information submitted through Washington Connection is matched against current Medicaid enrollment data. If a mother’s data matches with enrollment data then the eligibility system will automatically approve Medicaid coverage for the newborn. Review how this feature will work.
For questions about this new feature email ASKMEDICAID@hca.wa.gov.
More people now eligible for Take Charge Program
The Take Charge Program offers free birth control/family planning services for women, men and teens in Washington State. Effective 10/01/2012,
the income guidelines for the Take Charge Program increase from 200% to 250% of the FPL. Income eligible individuals will now be able to enroll in Take Charge even if they already have health insurance that covers birth control. Learn more about Take Charge.
To find Take Charge providers in your community call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
New DSHS Policy for replacing EBT Cards
Effective 10/01/2012, most Basic Food clients who lose their EBT card will no longer be able to get a replacement card at local DSHS Community Service Offices. Instead, clients should contact JPMorganChase at 1-888-328-9271 to request a replacement card and the bank will mail it to them.
Clients who are homeless with a general delivery mailing address on file, are living in a domestic violence shelter or have lost their EBT card in disaster circumstances will continue to be able to get replacement cards at local CSOs. Learn more about EBT card replacement.
Health Care Reform Efforts in Washington
The Health Care Authority has created several web pages to publicly share information about the Affordable Care Act and health care reform efforts underway in Washington State. Learn more on the following web pages:
Medicaid Listserv for Providers
A free Listserv for medical providers who work with the Washington State Medicaid program. Stay up to date on changes to the Washington State Medicaid program. Sign up.
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