While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The Washington state CHIP program is called the Washington Apple Health for Kids. It is administered by the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA). For more information about the Washington Apple Health for Kids, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in Washington for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for the Washington Apple Health for Kids, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the Health Care Authority line at 1 (800) 562-3022.
To qualify for CHIP in Washington, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on Washington’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
Depending on your gross household income, the premium may be at most $60 per month per child covered by the Washington Apple Health for Kids in your household.
Due to the high premium, when your child receives covered medical services, you will not need to pay a copay.
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in Washington, visit the Washington Apple Health for Kids page here. Or call the Washington Health Care Authority at 1 (800) 562-3022.
Before applying for the Washington Apple Health for Kids, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through the Washington Health Portal here.
To apply for CHIP in person, click here to find your nearest Health Benefit Exchange Navigator to assist you through the application process.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call 1 (855) 923-4633.
To apply for CHIP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it to the following address:
Washington Healthplanfinder
PO Box 946
Olympia, Washington 98507
To apply for CHIP by fax, send your completed application to 1 (855) 867-4467.
To apply for CHIP by mobile app, you can use the WAPlanfinder app available here.
For a copy of the Application for Assistance in other languages, click here.
*Washington uses the same application for multiple benefits and self-reliance programs. Be sure to mark the correct program you are applying for in your application.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP within45 days of applying. This timeline may be extended if the Department of Health and Welfare requires more information from you to process your application.
If approved for CHIP, you will be sent a Washington Health Insurance Services Card (called a ProviderOne Card) within 2 weeks of your eligibility determination letter.
For more information about what happens after you apply for the Washington Apple Health for Kids, you can contact the Washington Apple Health Call Center at 1 (800) 562-3022.
If you do not agree with the Washington Department of Health and Welfare’s decision to deny you CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal within 30 days of when you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
You can file your appeal by mail or by fax to the Health Insurance Marketplace.
To send your appeal by fax, fill out the appeal form here and dial: 1 (877) 369-0130.
To send your appeal by mail, complete the appeal form and send it to the following address:
Health Insurance Marketplace
Attn: Appeals
465 Industrial Blvd.
London, KY 40750-0061
After submitting your appeal, you will receive a decision by mail or email within 30 days.
If you have any further questions regarding the appeals process, you can contact the Marketplace Appeals Center at 1 (855) 231-1751. Or, you can contact the Washington Apple Health Call Center at 1 (800) 562-3022.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the state’s health insurance marketplace at 1 (800) 562-3022.
If you have any further questions about the Washington Apple Health for Kids or CHIP, call the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) at 1 (800) 562-3022 or 711 for TRS services.
For in-person assistance, you can contact an HCA Community-based Specialist. Contact the specialist office closest to you here.
You can also contact the Washington HCA office for assistance. Visit the office at the following address:
Cherry Street Plaza626 8th Avenue SEOlympia, WA 98501
Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For additional inquiries, you can email the Washington Department of Health and Welfare at askmagi@hca.wa.gov.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.