Washington Healthplanfinder

Are you a Washington resident and need health insurance? You can find a plan using the Washington Health Plan Finder. It’s the marketplace for health plans with affordable rates and, for some, low- or no-cost coverage.

Many people seeking insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder will not have in-network coverage for cancer treatment at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Because this may affect you and your family’s out-of-pocket cost for care, we want to give you information to help you understand your care options.

Open enrollment period is every year. It begins November 1 and ends January 15 for coverage to be effective January 1.

First Stop: Washington Healthplanfinder

The Washington Healthplanfinder (English | Spanish) is a service of the state’s health insurance exchange that can help you: 

  • Find out if you may be eligible for federal or state financial help to pay premiums or out-of-pocket costs, such as copays.     
  • Browse plans and compare what your costs may be and the doctors and hospitals available with each plan. 
  • Enroll in a health plan.

Types of Individual and Family Insurance Plans

When you shop through the Washington Healthplanfinder, you’ll be asked for information about your family and income to see what coverage you qualify for.

Based on the information you enter, you’ll be able to view and compare the coverage and costs (if applicable) for: 

  • Washington Health Exchange plans 
  • Apple Health (Medicaid) plans
  • Apple Health Expansion plans

Other Good-to-Know Facts About Health Insurance

All Washington residents, regardless of immigration status, will be able to access coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. Coverage will expand to undocumented immigrants (foreign-born who lack valid documentation to be in the United States. The Exchange plans began January 1, 2024, and Apple Health begins July 1, 2024.

  • Receiving health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder – including Washington Apple Health will not affect your or a family member’s immigration status or citizenship application.
  • When you apply for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, citizenship or immigration status information is only used to determine health plan eligibility. Federal and state laws protect your privacy. This information is not used for immigration enforcement.

Options to Enroll

Option 1: Apple Health (Medicaid)

You can enroll any time during the year. For adults 19 or older. This allows individuals and households with countable income under 138% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll.

Option 2: Apple Health Expansion

The enrollment limit for Apple Health Expansion has been met. For adults 19 or older, regardless of immigration status. This allows individuals and households with countable income under 138% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll. For more information click here.

Option 3: Washington Health Exchange

The Cascade Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is continuing into 2024. This allows individuals and households with income under 250% Federal Poverty Table (FPL) to enroll into a Silver or Gold Cascade Care anytime during the year. This SEP is also available to those who qualify for Immigrant Health Coverage. It allows low-income households additional opportunities to enroll into Cascade Care without a qualifying life event. This option applies if you:

  • did not enroll during open enrollment.
  • enrolled during open enrollment and selected a plan that is not a Cascade Silver or Gold plan.

If you are currently enrolled in the Cascade Silver or Gold plan, then there is not an option to change plans under this SEP.

Option 4: Washington Health Exchange

There are exceptions to the enrollment deadlines if you have had a significant change in your family or your income. This means you can sign up for a new plan or switch to a plan that better fits your situation. These are called “qualifying life events,” and they include:

Lose or Gain Health Insurance Unexpectedly

  • Coverage from a job or employer
  • Coverage from a public program (such as Apple Health or Medicare)
  • COBRA coverage
  • Coverage from a family member or other household member

Household Change

  • Birth or adoption
  • Pregnancy
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Loss of a household member
  • Adding or removing a dependent
  • Change of address
  • Changes of name, date of birth or Social Security Number

You have 60 days after one of these events to enroll in a plan for the first time or change the plan you have for coverage that suits you better.

Exchange Plans Fred Hutch in Network Coverage

Fred Hutch is "in-network" for several health insurance plans offered through the exchange, the Washington Healthplanfinder. That could matter to you when choosing a plan. 

Generally, you pay less out of pocket when you visit healthcare providers that are in-network. Going out-of-network may require you to pay more toward your deductible or in a copay – or may not be covered at all.

Exchange Plans With FHCC in Network

  • BridgeSpan (RealValue and UW Medicine EPO)
  • Community Health Plan Cascade Select
  • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of WA*.
  • LifeWise (Preferred, Assurance, Primary** and Alpine**)
  • Molina Marketplace
  • Premera Individual Signature
  • United Health Care Charter

**Out of network, but able to access Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center with prior authorization

Apple Health Plans with FHCC in Network

Apple Health (MEDICAID)

Fred Hutch is in network with these Medicaid plans, with some exceptions. Ask the health plan about your coverage for services through Fred Hutch.

  • Community Helth Plan of Washington (CHPW) Apple Health 
  • Coordinated Care Apple Health 
  • Molina (MHC) Apple Health 
  • United Healthcare Community (UHC) Apple Health
  • Wellpoint (formerly AMERIGROUP) Apple Health

Apple Health Expansion

Fred Hutch is in network with these plans, with some exceptions. Ask the health plan about your coverage for services through Fred Hutch.

  • Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) Apple Health 
  • Coordinated Care Apple Health
  • Molina (MHC) Apple Health
  • United Healthcare Community (UHC) Apple Health

Read More About Apple Health Plans

Getting Help Enrolling

Washington Healthplanfinder has representatives who can explain your options, explain financial help available, and walk you through enrolling.    


Enrollment Help at Fred Hutch

Fred HutchFinancial Counselors are here to help you understand your healthcare coverage options and enroll in a plan. Please call to schedule an appointment or if you have questions: 

  • Fred Hutch Financial Counselor: 206.606.6226 option 2 
  • South Lake Union location Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Before contacting Washington Healthplanfinder or Fred Hutch Financial Counselors, collect this information and have it ready:

  • Legal names of everyone to be covered
  • Family relationships for each member of the family unit
  • Birth dates
  • Identification numbers (Social Security numbers or immigration information)
  • Proof of immigration status if you're a legal permanent resident
  • Proof of tribal status if you're a registered American Indian/Alaska Native
  • Income before taxes
  • Proof of income if your income has changed since you last filed taxes
  • Tax filing status: this is what you report on your IRS tax form
  • Current health insurance information (coverage dates, group number and policy number)
  • Open enrollment renewal letter from the Washington Exchange (if applicable)