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.

Regence BlueShield The new Evolve plan designs focus on affordability, practical coverage, wellness and protection for Individuals and Families. Evolve Plus plans offer first dollar benefits such as the 1st four office visits paid at 100% after a $25 copay and the first $400 Outpatient Lab & X-Ray covered 100% - no deductible! You also receive on-the-job coverage and have access to worldwide coverage with the BlueCard program. Price, coverage and variety of plans makes Regence a popular choice for those seeking individual coverage.  With Regence there is no rate guarantee; historically rates increase every October 1st regardless of your enrollment date.

Group Health Options, Inc. offers The Balance Plans which are great because you receive both in-network and out-of-network benefits for primary, specialty and alternative care. Choose between the Alliant Plus in-network (Group Health, Virginia Mason and the Everett Clinic) and out-of-network options, with different levels of coverage. By using an Alliant Plus in-network provider there is no deductible for office visits ($30 copay), or alternative care ($30 copay with limits) and lab/x-ray services are covered 100% for the first $400 on the Balance 1750 plan!

Group Health Cooperative offers The Welcome Plans.  These plans all share a similar design where your first 4 office visits are copay only - no deductible or coinsurance!  Preventive Care visits are covered in full, deductible waived.  These plans give you access to the Group Health network of doctors, who practice at more than two dozen medical centers statewide, plus thousands of contracted providers.  Also, you can self-refer to most specialists at Group Health medical centers.  There are no out-of-network benefits.

KPS Health Plan offers health plan options with a variety of deductible and coinsurance alternatives. KPS is based out of Bremerton and offers access to the KPS, First Choice, Providence and Multiplan networks. At the present time, KPS benefits and rates are not very competitive in the individual insurance market.

Assurant Health's 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.