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Consumer Advocacy

Call: 800-562-6900 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)
Form: Ask an insurance expert

ACA vs. non-ACA health coverage options

Learn about potential risks and what's covered when weighing health coverage options that don't meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards.

Association health plans

An association health plan is a type of health insurance that employers and professional trade associations offer their employees or members.

COBRA

COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) lets you keep an employer health plan for a limited time after a job change or certain life events.

Continuation plans

A continuation plan lets you stay on a small group health plan (1-50 employees) if you become ineligible for coverage.

Dental insurance

Dental insurance provides coverage for your teeth and mouth. It may cover oral surgery, diagnostic services or preventative care.

Direct health care practices

A direct health care practice is a medical provider that charges you a monthly fee for unlimited access to doctors for primary care. 

Employment-related health insurance

There are different types of health plans offered by employers, and it’s important to understand how they impact your health insurance rights. 

Get help paying for coverage

Depending on your household income, You may qualify for financial help or free coverage if you buy a health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Get help paying for prescriptions

There are free programs to help you pay less for prescriptions your health plan might not cover.

Health care coverage resources

We have provided a list of health care organizations, programs, and services available in Washington state.

Health clinics and hospital care

If you qualify, some health clinics offer free or low-cost care. In addition, all hospitals have similar programs to help you pay for health care.

Health insurance companies that sell to small businesses

For information about the benefits in small business health plans and their current rates, contact the company directly.

Health insurance plans and health care programs

Do you need help paying for health care? There are insurance plans and programs that may be available for you.

Health savings accounts

Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, you may be able to save money for health care without paying taxes on it with a health savings account (HSA).

Individual and family health plans & premiums

Find information about individual and family health plans sold on and off the Exchange in Washington state.

No-cost preventive health services 

All health insurance plans, whether for individuals or groups, must include certain preventive services at no extra cost to you.

Out-of-pocket costs

The type of individual health plan you buy will determine your out-of-pocket costs.

Small business owners

If you have a small business (1-50 employees), you're not required to offer your employees health insurance. If you choose to offer it, you might qualify for tax credits.

Specific disease or disability

Some diseases and disabilities have organizations and additional resources to provide support and financial help.

The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP)

The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) is our state's high-risk insurance pool.

Tribal members

Tribal members have multiple options for health care coverage.

Veterans

Veterans and retirees of the U.S. military may be entitled to health benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Vision and hearing programs

If you need help paying for vision and hearing services, there are non-profit organizations that might be able to help.

What to do if you lose health coverage

Losing your employer’s health plan is stressful, but depending on your situation, you have options. 

What you need to know about medical provider networks

A medical provider network is a group of medical providers that works with your health plan to provide services at specific rates.

What you need to know about short-term medical plans

Short-term medical plans offer temporary coverage for serious health issues like car accidents or heart attacks for those who can't get regular insurance. They are usually cheaper than standard plans but may have limited coverage.

When you can buy an individual health plan

Learn when and where you can purchase an individual health plan.

Who to contact for issues with your employer health plan

If you have an issue with your insurer, you'll need to know what type of health plan you have so you can go to the right source for help.

Related topics

Learn how health insurance works

Health insurance helps pay your medical bills when you seek care. Knowing what your options are can help save you time, money, and frustration.

How your health insurance claims process works

Understanding the claims process can help save you time and avoid frustration.