Welcome to Apple Health (Medicaid)
Welcome to Apple Health which is what we call Medicaid in Washington State.
DOWNLOAD and save the document below that explains Apple Health.
2017 Apple Health Guide to Services
Apple Health Detailed Guide
There are a variety of reasons how you got to be on an Apple Health plan.
From signing up clients for individual health insurance plans in Washington State I have seen both the positive and negative aspects of this plan. It really depends on how you use medical care.
In general the Apple Health plans have a smaller network of doctors and more limited coverage, however the plans have no deductible and are free (or low cost), especially if your income is going to be a bit lower for 2017. At least you get health insurance for major medical issues.
INCOME
There are many reasons why someone is on Apple Health. Typically it is because your income is below a certain level for the number of people in your family. Other main reasons are Pregnancy, Disability, and Adoption.
If you apply through the Washington Health Exchange, children are often automatically put onto Apple Health, while the parents have to choose a discounted Health Insurance plan. The family income has to be much higher in order for the children to be put onto an exchange health plan.
There are five carriers for Apple Health. The process once you are assigned to Apple Health is for them to randomly assign you a carrier. You can change to another Apple Health provider any month (at this time), yet recommend to pick one and stick with it.
DOCTOR NETWORK
You may be able to keep your current doctor. Follow this exactly for best results:
1. Call your current doctors office and ask them “Do you take Apple Health or Medicaid plans?”
2. If they say NO, then your doctor is not covered (you can still pay cash to see them).
3. If they say YES, ask them “Which carriers to you take?”. After calling all your doctors offices, then assess which of the 5 carriers covers most of your doctors (or the most important ones to you).
4. If you need to switch plans, call the 1-800 number on the back of your PROVIDER ONE Card. Done.
ALTERNATIVE TO APPLE HEALTH
For those with a more acute medical issue or simply need certain doctors covered there is another option. That is to buy a plan direct from a carrier. Yes paying full price is not always an easy option financially, yet if you need better medical care it is worth paying for.
Give us a call at 425-802-2783 if you have any questions, as we want to ensure that you make an informed decision about your medical needs.
Below are my areas of expertise:
- Health Insurance (Every company in Washington State)
- Life Insurance (33 companies)
- Disability Insurance (8 companies)
- Tax Sheltered Accounts (Following IRS guidelines)
Gary Franke, MBA
Independent Broker
Achieve Alpha Insurance, LLC
12507 Bel-Red Rd, Ste 103
Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone:(425) 802-2783
gary@achieve-alpha.com
www.achieve-alpha.com