Did you lose health insurance with your job? Here’s how to get coverage in Washington
The pandemic has left many Washingtonians out of work and without health insurance, but Apple Health (Medicaid) has helped fill the void.
Since the pandemic began, over 100,000 state residents have signed up for the program, bringing the statewide total to 1.9 million insured through the program.
“Apple Health is meant to be there when people need health care the most,” said Washington State Health Care Authority Medicaid Director MaryAnne Lindeblad in a news release.
“Due to the pandemic, many people are experiencing loss of income that may make them eligible for this program,” she said. “We encourage those seeking free or low-cost health care coverage to visit our website to learn more.”
Since the pandemic began, the state’s uninsured numbers went from 6.7 percent at the start of the year to 13 percent in the spring. In late July, that number of uninsured residents dropped to 8.8 percent.
HCA offered a limited open enrollment in July for members of the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. During that time, PEBB and SEBB members could opt in to medical coverage after previously waiving it, and/or add dependents to their accounts for medical coverage. This resulted in about 2,400 new people covered lives as of Aug. 1.
You can learn if you’re eligible for Apple Health and and how to apply for Apple Health on the Washington State Health Care Authority website.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 11:55 AM.
