Steps to Apply
It only takes a few steps to apply for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder™. If you feel unsure, we can walk you through the information you need to get started.
Enrollment Periods
Enrollment periods affect when you can enroll in a health plan. During open enrollment, anyone can apply for coverage. Other times, you may need to meet other conditions to apply for and enroll in a health plan.
1. Gather Your Information
Washington Healthplanfinder will need some information about you when you apply for health insurance coverage. Gather as much of this information as you can for each person applying.
- Legal name
- Birth date
- Social Security numbers
- You can still apply if you do not have one
- Income information
- Current health insurance (if any)
- Noncitizen status (if a legal permanent resident)
- Tribal status (if registered)
We recommend you add all members of your household, even if they are not applying. This way, you can get the best health plans and savings for your situation.
2. Get Support if You Need It
Washington Healthplanfinder partners with specialists across the state. These people can assist with applying for health insurance coverage.
Navigators get you enrolled and answer general questions. Insurance brokers help you shop plans, understand financial help, and get you enrolled. Their services are most often free.
3. Apply
When you have the information and support you need, it’s time to apply. You can do so on wahealthplanfinder.org, the WAPlanfinder app or by calling 1-855-923-4633. If you apply online, create an account if you do not have one or sign into a current one if you do.
Washington Healthplanfinder will ask for information about you and your household. You will then be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility. The whole process can take roughly 15 to 30 minutes.
Opting into Savings
When you first apply, Washington Healthplanfinder takes you to the About You page. On this page, there is a section called “Application Details.” The second half of this section asks if you want to apply for savings programs or Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
Make sure you answer “Yes!” This way, you will be shown any savings you qualify for when you receive your eligibility results.
If you applied without opting into savings, you can still do so. Simply log into your account and report a change. This will take you back through the application process.
4. Choose Your Health Plan
Washington Healthplanfinder offers many plans and ways to save. The ones you qualify for depend on your details and county.
Tips on Choosing a Plan
- Cascade Care plans offer more coverage and ways to save than non-Cascade Care plans. They are only available through Washington Healthplanfinder. Learn more about Cascade Care plans.
- Click “Health Care Provider” to search plans where your doctor is in-network
- Filter plans by premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, carrier, metal level and more
- Use Smart Planfinder to compare plans and get your Smart Choice selection
5. Stay Covered!
Once you pay your first bill, you are covered. Your insurance carrier will send you an insurance card. You will stay covered as long as you pay your bills and renew every year.