Best Health Insurance Plans in Washington

Premiums for gold plan cost nearly 43 percent more than a bronze plan. That's not surprising considering the fact that gold plans cover 80 percent of healthcare costs, rather than 60 percent coverage with a bronze plan.

Some people qualify for catastrophic plans, the lowest amount of possible coverage. A catastrophic plan, comes with a $8,150 yearly deductible. Even with a higher premium, a bronze or silver plan will likely save you money if you actually need to use your health insurance.

Body mass index

A high body mass makes you statistically more likely to suffer from numerous health problems. That's why health insurance companies analyze your BMI to assess your risk-level. A high BMI leads to high health insurance rates.

In 2018, Washington had a 28.3 percent obesity rate, the 41st highest rate in the country. Out of the thousands of Washingtonians who used QuoteWizard to compare health insurance plans, only 26 percent of shoppers have a BMI in the obese range.

Tobacco use

Smokers pay more for health insurance due to the substantial risks from smoking. About 13.5 percent of Washingtonians are smokers, the fifth lowest rate in the country.

Age

A health insurance plan for an older person costs up to three times more compared to a young person. Washington residents who used QuoteWizard to shop for health insurance are, on average, 43 years old.

Location

Your zip code plays a large role in your health insurance premiums. Why? First, each state has different laws, regulations, and health care providers.

Second, health insurance rates are community rated, according to Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Due to this, rates are based in part on the combined claims everyone files. If your neighbors file claims at an abnormally high rate, you might face a premium hike.

That means living in a health-conscious state can lead to lower premiums. According to America's Health Rankings, Washington is the ninth healthiest state in America. 

Best Washington health insurance companies

What are the best health insurance companies in Washington? Thanks to the state's robust healthcare system, residents have many choices when shopping for a policy. These companies offer individual and family plans in Washington:

• BridgeSpan
• Community Health Network
• Coordinated Care
• Kaiser
• LifeWise
• Molina
• PacifcSource
• Premera Blue Cross
• Providence
• Regence BlueCross BlueShield
• UnitedHealthcare

Washington health insurance laws

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can't use certain factors when pricing your policy.

• Pre-existing conditions: Insurance companies can't charge higher rates to people with pre-existing conditions. Before the ACA, people with pre-existing conditions paid considerably more for health insurance.
• Gender: Though women historically pay more for health care, the Affordable Care Act mandates that insurance companies cannot charge men and women different premiums for the same plan.
• Insurance and medical history: Before ACA, insurance companies analyzed your medical history and your past insurance coverage. People with previous medical problems or lapses in insurance used to face steep premiums – if they could even get coverage to begin with.

Marketplace plans have out-of-pocket maximum limits. In 2020, the out-of-pocket maximum is $8,150 for an individual plan and $16,300 for a family plan.

Washington state law requires that insurance companies provide some coverage for these services:

• Anesthesia for dental services
• Chemotherapy and cancer medications
• Contraceptive coverage
• Diabetes
• Emergency medical services
• Mammograms
• Women's health care services

There are additional health care services that providers must offer. To see more, read the full list from insurance.wa.gov.

Medicare and Medicaid in Washington

Medicare and Medicaid are both government-funded health care programs, with each option catering to different types of people. Medicare provides health coverage to seniors, while Medicaid assists low-income families and children.

Medicare

Washington residents ages 65 and up qualify for Medicare. There are numerous coverage options within Medicare including parts A, B, C, D as well as supplemental coverage plans. Residents can also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program:

• Individual monthly income limit: $1,456
• Married couple monthly income limit: $1,960

Medicaid

Washington is one of the states with expanded Medicaid. In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health. These are the state's Medicaid financial requirements.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Website:

Homepage

Insurance Commissioner:

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Hotline:

800-562-6900

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

File a Consumer Insurance Complaint

Complaint Page