Individual Medical Plans Available in Your County
There are presently three companies offering individual health plans in your county.
These include: Lifewise Health Plan of Washington, Premera Blue Cross and Assurant Health.
Assurant Health offers both low-cost short-term "temporary" plans and
catastrophic plans. The lowest deductible available from any of the carriers (except Assurant)
is $1000. For a short lesson on insurance terms, refer to
Insurance 101.
LifeWise Health Plan of Washington
is part of the Premera family of companies. The extensive benefits and reasonable premiums have made
LifeWise one of the most popular individual carriers in Washington State.
The LifeWise WiseChoices Prime plan has unlimited $30 office visit copays. The plan also includes preventive care covered 100% and an excellent vision benefit. LifeWise does not require a Primary Care
Physician - that is, you are free to see any preferred doctor and you don't need referrals in order
to visit specialists. Members also receive nationwide coverage through the
PHCS/Multiplan network.
In addition to the comprehensive plans, LifeWise offers WiseEssentials
Rx, one of the most
competitive high deductible/catastrophic plans featuring up front coverage for
your first six office visits (no deductible) and coverage for generic
prescriptions. If you're looking
for a catastrophic, low monthly premium plan than this is the plan to choose.
LifeWise WiseSavings Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
The HSA plans provide you with
peace of mind, knowing that coverage is available for major illnesses. At the same time, you are
allowed to set up a special tax-advantaged savings account (similar to an IRA) to pay for small medical
bills on a tax-free basis. HSA's are truly the most innovative plans available in Washington and are
fast becoming the most popular choice for self-employed individuals and small businesses.
Assurant Temporary Insurance
provides a very inexpensive policy for temporary needs. The initial coverage period can be from one
to six
months. Because the coverage is only temporary, premiums are about half the cost of regular
individual plans. Coverage is available statewide and you are free to see any licensed doctor.
Deductibles range from $250 to $2500. Coverage may be applied for online and can begin the day after
the application is submitted. The plan is a great choice for those who are between jobs or just need
short-term coverage.
Assurant Health Individual Medical offers a wide range of
catastrophic plan choices as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) plans. Rates
will vary based on factors chosen such as deductible, coinsurance, lifetime max
and type of plan. Rates & enrollment are only available online by clicking on
the Assurant Health logo above. There is a 12-month rate guarantee and worldwide coverage.
Premera Blue Cross plans are still available; however, they have
not chosen to be competitive in the individual market. If anyone enrolled in one these
plans it's only because they were unaware of the other popular plans available in our state. That
being said, premium and plan information is available.
Healthy Options/Basic Health:
Washington State Managed Care Medical Programs.
There are
many managed care medical programs offered through Washington State Department
of Social and Health Services such as Health Options, Basic Health and Apple
Health for Kids. Click on the link to be redirected to their home page for
plan eligibility and coverage information. Back to Individual Medical Home Page
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