Find coverage

You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the Washington Healthplanfinder if you meet all the requirements below:

  • You're under age 65.
  • You're not on Medicare.
  • You're a member of a federally recognized tribe or a shareholder in an Alaska Native Corporation.

The benefits of joining a health plan through the Washington Healthplanfinder include:

  • No copays or deductibles when you see your health care provider.
  • No costs for using Indian Health Services or Contract Health Services.
  • You can join or change health plans any time during the year.
  • You can choose between different types of coverage.

Learn more about what options are available.

Indian Health Service (IHS)

IHS is a federal program that provides health services if you're a federally recognized:

  • American Indian
  • Alaska native

It also may provide health services if you're:

  • An Indian from Canada or Mexico
  • Not Indian, but pregnant with an American Indian child who qualifies for coverage

IHS and Medicare

IHS is not insurance. However, if you're on Medicare and use IHS pharmacies:

IHS contact information

For more information and to find the nearest office, call 503-414-5555. This is the phone number for the Portland office, but it serves tribal members in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Tribal clinics

If you're a tribal member, tribal clinics offer health care to you and your family. If you live in a smaller rural community, you might be able to visit a tribal clinic even if you're non-native.

For more information, contact your local tribal government.

Requirements for health insurance issuers

In Washington state, health insurance issuers must comply with all state and federal laws governing their business practices and the health benefits they offer. These regulations ensure that Native American enrollees and healthcare providers are protected. They encompass guidelines for all insurance companies and specific rules for certain health plans. However, these requirements do not extend to Medicaid or Medicare-managed care organizations.

Protections for American Indian enrollees and health care providers (PDF 760.77KB)

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.

Individuals & families

If you don’t have health insurance through an employer, you can buy an individual health plan during the annual open enrollment period.