Health insurance companies vary in coverage levels.
Finding affordable health insurance with adequate coverage in Washington state can be challenging. Several companies offer a range of plans with different combinations of deductible levels, monthly premiums, required co-pays and prescription costs. Employees with coverage through an employer may have fewer choices of providers, but may have fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Take the time to carefully consider your health care needs before choosing an individual or group plan.
Premera Blue Cross
Premera Blue Cross serves Alaska and Washington residents, with the exception of Clark County, for individuals, families and groups. Dental plans and Medicare supplemental plans are also available. Based in suburban Mountlake Terrace just north of Seattle, Premera Blue Cross works with providers across the state, some 27,000 between Washington and Alaska, as of 2008. Individual plans at Premera range from lower-cost catastrophic coverage to comprehensive coverage, including office visits and diagnostic testing. Group plans are available to employers with one to over 200 employees, and benefits vary at each level of additional employees. Premera's four dental plans include services provided by 2,500 dentists as of 2009.
Premera Blue Cross
7001 220th St. SW, Building 1
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
800-722-1471
premera.com
Regence Blue Shield
Regence is a nonprofit health insurance company serving Washington residents in 22 counties across the state. Individual plans range from the Regence Evolve Core plan, with lower monthly premiums and higher deductible options, to the HSA 100 plan, which has higher monthly premiums but covers 100 percent of qualified expenses once a deductible is met, as of 2010. Group plans are also serviced by Regence and emphasize wellness programs and employee choices. Additional member advantages include discounts on prescriptions, vision and hearing services, dental care products and local gym memberships.
Regence
1800 9th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-464-3600
regence.com
Group Health Cooperative
Based in Seattle, Group Health follows a cooperative health care model and was established in 1947. As of 2010, more than 640,000 members living in Washington and Idaho are enrolled in Group Health's plans, according to the company's website. The cooperative philosophy originates with 11 members who serve on the Board of Trustees after being elected by other members. The board works with the medical staff and administrators to maintain Group Health's mission of delivering high-quality health care. Individual and family plans are available, and patients see Group Health physicians or affiliated community clinicians. Specific plans are available for state and federal employees, and group plans serve employees of both small and large businesses.
Group Health
P.O. Box 34590
Seattle, WA 98124
206-326-2800
ghc.org
Washington Basic Health
Washington Basic Health offers health care coverage through private providers with costs supplemented by the state. Eligibility requirements include meeting the federal poverty guidelines and not receiving other services, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Annual coverage amounts vary between two plans, and more than 1,600 physicians may be used under Washington Basic Health. Dental and vision services are not covered, and pre-existing conditions may require a waiting period, as of 2010.
Washington State Health Care Authority
P.O. Box 42682
Olympia, WA 98504
800-660-9840
basichealth.hca.wa.gov
Tags: Group Health, Blue Cross, Premera Blue, Premera Blue Cross, Basic Health, health care, monthly premiums
