I’ve been researching health insurance in Washington, and it looks like Kaiser Permanente has the best ratings with plans starting at $445 per month. Has anyone tried them, or do you know of other good options that are affordable?
I’ve seen that Kaiser is top-rated here. They have high satisfaction ratings and fewer complaints, so claims are easier to deal with. The only thing is, they’re not the cheapest option.
Kai said:
I’ve seen that Kaiser is top-rated here. They have high satisfaction ratings and fewer complaints, so claims are easier to deal with. The only thing is, they’re not the cheapest option.
True, but they do seem reliable. For those looking for a lower price, Community Health Plan might be worth checking out, especially if you live in a bigger city like Seattle or Tacoma. Their Silver plan is around $379 per month.
@Johnstone
Good point. I think Community Health Plan is actually the cheapest option for a lot of folks in Washington, so it’s definitely worth a look.
For people in more rural areas, Ambetter might be a good pick. They tend to be cheaper outside of the main cities, especially on the Olympic Peninsula and around the southern counties near Oregon.
Nori said:
For people in more rural areas, Ambetter might be a good pick. They tend to be cheaper outside of the main cities, especially on the Olympic Peninsula and around the southern counties near Oregon.
Ambetter does seem focused on those areas. I know they’re available in a lot of rural counties where other options are limited, which is a big help if you’re outside the main cities.
@Hayden
Exactly. It’s nice to have choices in those spots, since coverage is usually harder to find there.
If you’re eligible, Apple Health is also a great option. It’s free for low-income residents in Washington and covers most medical needs. You’d need to make about $21,000 or less to qualify as an individual.
@Mal
Apple Health is definitely a good deal. If you’re a family of four, the income limit is higher, around $43,000. It’s worth applying if you’re close to that range.
Nari said:
@Mal
Apple Health is definitely a good deal. If you’re a family of four, the income limit is higher, around $43,000. It’s worth applying if you’re close to that range.
Yeah, and it’s a solid plan if you qualify. I think a lot of people don’t realize how much it covers, especially for low-income families.
Silver plans seem to be the most popular here because they balance cost and coverage. They average about $503 per month, which is a bit more than Bronze but with more coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs.
@Ash
Yes, plus if you’re eligible for subsidies, Silver plans can be a really good deal. You get lower monthly rates and still keep decent coverage.
Keelan said:
@Ash
Yes, plus if you’re eligible for subsidies, Silver plans can be a really good deal. You get lower monthly rates and still keep decent coverage.
That’s what I’ve heard too. Some people even qualify for extra savings with cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, which helps with out-of-pocket costs.
For those with ongoing health needs, a Gold plan might be worth the extra cost. They cover around 80% of your medical care, so you save a lot if you need regular treatment. But they cost about $554 per month on average.
@Davi
That’s a good point. Gold plans have lower deductibles too, so you hit your out-of-pocket max faster, which can help if you have high medical expenses.
Kit said:
@Davi
That’s a good point. Gold plans have lower deductibles too, so you hit your out-of-pocket max faster, which can help if you have high medical expenses.
Definitely. For people who visit the doctor frequently or have prescriptions, paying more upfront with a Gold plan can actually save money overall.