Family Health Hotline & DSHS Health Programs

Hi, if you, your family or someone you know is in need of assistance with healthcare, I want to let you know about the many medical assistance programs available in Washington and the Within Reach Family Health Hotline, which provides up-to-date information about state-sponsored health insurance programs. If you call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, they can screen and assist you in applying for many State programs including:
Washington Apple Health for Kids— free or low cost medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits to children under age 19.
Washington Basic Health: a low cost health insurance program for low-income Washington State residents, which currently has a waiting list.
The Washington Health Program a new non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program, which offers affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs.
Family Medical: free medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to very limited income families with dependent children under the age of 18 and living in the home.
The First Steps Program, which provides free health insurance, including medical, dental and vision benefits for pregnant women.
Take Charge, the family planning and free birth control program
The Premium Payment Program which helps families keep private insurance while on Medicaid
The Washington Prescription Drug Program Discount Card which gives discounts on all medications to all Washington state residents regardless of age or income
Rx Help for WA which helps low-income, uninsured Washington residents get free or discounted medicines
The Family Health Hotline can also help you locate Community Health clinics in your area that provide reduced cost or free medical care to people without health insurance.
You should also be aware that DSHS has changed to a new payment system called Provider One, where instead of paper medical coupons recipients of Medicaid programs and GAU medical receive a free permanent Services Card, a plastic card which works like any other insurance card.
The Family Health Hotline can explain program eligibility guidelines, help you understand how and where you can access these services, screen for eligibility for various programs, start a benefits application and help you apply online. Staff are available Monday through Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00. The Family Health Hotline number is 1-800-322-2588 or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/health-insurance.