Use our “What’s New” page as one of your sources for information about state-sponsored health insurance and food resources in Washington State.
Consult this link for state budget information related to Medicaid and Health Care Authority Stakeholders and Providers. Read more
Current recipients of Basic Food (food stamps) could be eligible for replacement benefits if food was destroyed by recent power outages. Clients must make their report within 10 days of the initial loss of food.
To report a loss and request benefit replacement, clients can:
DSHS will replace the value of the amount of food lost in the disaster, up to the total amount of the customer’s monthly allotment of Basic Food.
The Health Care Authority is lifting the three-visit limit on non-emergency use of hospital emergency rooms. A recent court decision held the state did not follow proper rule-making procedures in establishing the limit. Read more
On November 1, 2011, households with children on the state funded CHIP program will pay an increased premium. The increased premium ONLY applies to children who are not U.S. citizens and do not have legal immigration status or an application pending for immigration status.
For more information about free and low cost insurance for children, call the Apple Health for Kids Hotline at 1-877-543-7669.
Under a new state law, DSHS will change the rules for determining eligibility for a non-parental “child-only” TANF cash grant. Currently, we only count the child’s income and resources. On November 1, 2011 DSHS will begin means testing by counting a household’s income in addition to the child’s income to determine eligibility.
On October 31, 2011, the Disablity Lifeline cash program ended. These clients will continue to receive medical care services (MCS) and must follow the rules regarding eligibility such as renewing their medical eligibility paperwork at their local Community Service Office.
Beginning November 1, 2011, three new assistance programs will be available to help low-income individuals including:
Read more about the new assistance programs or Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program:
The Health Care Authority was issued a preliminary injunction to offer re-enrollment to approximately 11,000 members who did not get adequate notice to respond to Basic Health’s request for proof they met the new eligibility requirements and those who lost coverage because they didn’t provide proof that they had been lawful residents of the United States for five years. Basic Health is sending notification to the affected members offering them coverage effective December 1, 2011 if they pay their premium.
A listserv notice on September 22 listed possible 5 percent and 10 percent budget cuts that were sent to the Office of Financial Management by the Health Care Authority at the direction of the Governor. Some providers have incorrectly inferred that those cuts are effective January 1. In at least two cases, providers have been notifying clients that Medicaid’s medical interpreter program would end on January 1, 2012.
In fact, the list is expected to be reviewed by the Legislature in its special session beginning in late November. Any decision to cut programs or benefits on the list would be communicated at that time.
Health care providers and Medicaid Clients will have increased access to the Medicaid Customer Service Center.
Answers to many provider and client questions are available online or through Medicaid’s interactive voice response system (IVR):
With changes in the State’s FY 2011-13 budget, access to dental services has changed for some clients on state-sponsored coverage.
The Immunization Action Coalition of Washington (IACW) has developed 7 new facts sheets on immunizations for everyone from pregnant women to pre-teens and teens.
Families who have at least one child receiving FREE school lunches through the National School Lunch Program can qualify for low cost monthly internet service, a low cost computer and free internet training.
Help families learn more about the program with the Internet Essentials Flyer available in English and Spanish.
The Department of Social and Health Services notified more than 10,000 Washington households that their State Food Assistance benefits would be terminated on
February 1, 2011. A temporary restraining order prevents DSHS from terminating current recipients of State Food Assistance and denying new applications for food assistance.
Learn more about the issue and help clients with what they need to know to ensure access to program benefits.
DSHS has changed to a payment system called Provider One. Clients are issued a permanent Services Card. These plastic cards are mailed to clients and replace the paper medical coupon. The Services Card does NOT replace EBT (Food Stamps) or Managed Care cards.
Helpful resources about the Services Card
A Health Plan for Washington Residents of All Incomes
Washington Health is a new program offered by Basic Health. It is another option for affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs. Anyone who lives in Washington may qualify for this unique program that offers multiple levels of health insurance coverage. Members maintain low deductibles with coverage for basic health services such as routine office visits, immunizations, preventive screenings and more.
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