Review the summaries we have provided below and follow the links for more detailed information, rates and enrollment materials.Â
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LifeWise Health Plan of Washington is a for-profit subsidiary of Premera Blue Cross. Their large State wide PPO network (no referrals necessary), reasonable premiums and comprehensive plans have made them a popular choice for individuals looking for health insurance. Highlights of these plans include coverage for vision and preventive care, on-the-job coverage (important to self-employed) and the fact that the rates are guaranteed for the first 12 months. LifeWise also offers high deductible catastrophic coverage and their plans are available to individuals living anywhere in Washington.
Regence Blue Shield is one of the largest nonprofit health insurers in the State of Washington. They offer a wide choice of individual programs including both PPO Plans and their competitively priced Point-of-Service (POS) programs. POS plans require the selection of, and referrals from, a primary care physician. Regence also offers a low cost catastrophic program with a $1500 deductible (no coverage for preventive, maternity or prescription drugs). Regence is available to individuals living in the following Washington counties; Clallam, Columbia, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom or Yakima.
Group Health Cooperative (GHC), based in Seattle, is a nationally recognized consumer-governed, nonprofit, staff model HMO. GHC members must use providers employed or contracted by GHC and in some cases referrals are made to outside providers. Similar to other major medical insurers, GHC offers both comprehensive and catastrophic programs with deductibles starting at $500. Enrollees on GHC’s individual plans also have the option to enroll in a dental program offered in conjunction with Washington Dental Service (WDS). Coverage is available to individuals living in the following Washington counties; King, Snohomish, Pierce, Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Kitsap, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor (zip codes 98541, 98557, 98559 and 98568) Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Yakima, Walla Walla, Whitman & Spokane.
KPS is the only remaining independent nonprofit medical service bureau in the State of Washington. They offer a comprehensive PPO plan (no referrals necessary) that includes vision, preventive care and drug coverage with a $500 deductible, as well as several high deductible catastrophic programs. Their individual plans are offered to enrollees living in Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties.
Premera Blue Cross has been a major insurer of individuals in past years but has chosen not to offer competitive rates to new enrollees at this time. We have included benefit summaries, rates and applications for their products but do not recommend these products. Premera’s programs are available to all Washington residence except those living in Clark County.
