5-year bar:
Someone who is past the 5-year bar has lived in the U.S. for 5 years or more.
When we’re healthy, we can celebrate with our friends, work to give our families a good life, and care for each other. Let’s talk about how we can stay healthy and save money with health insurance!
Healthcare in the United States is different from healthcare in Mexico. In the United States, health insurance helps keeps medical costs lower.
Don't be nervous! Getting health insurance is easier than you think. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Before we talk about how to sign up for health insurance, let's talk about...
The first place to look for health insurance is your work. Many companies offer low-cost health insurance options and can help you sign up. However, some companies or positions cannot get health insurance.
Washington State offers several options for those who don’t have health insurance. Visit WAHealthPlanFinder.org to explore your options.
Need help? Local navigators in our communities can guide you through the process.
*Depending on your health insurance plan, you might have some expenses such as copays.
You signed up for health insurance! Now what?
Do you need help but don’t have health insurance yet? Most “low-cost” clinics accept patients without health insurance.
Health insurance may completely cover the cost of many services and screenings!*
*Depending on your health insurance plan, you might have some expenses such as copays.
Remember, there are local places that work with people who don’t have health insurance for low to no cost. We’re all in this together and want everyone to be healthy and happy.
How much does health insurance cost?
What health insurance can I qualify for?
What if I don't have health insurance and I need medical help?
When can I enroll for health insurance?
How do I apply for health insurance if I do not feel comfortable doing it myself?
5-year bar:
Someone who is past the 5-year bar has lived in the U.S. for 5 years or more.
Co-insurance:
Your share of the cost of a covered healthcare service. You start to pay co-insurance after you have paid your health plan’s deductible.
Copay:
The amount you pay for a covered healthcare service. For example, a screening for diabetes might include a copay. Your copay is due when you receive the service. Your copay depends on the level of coverage in your health plan.
Deductible:
This is the amount of money you must spend before your health plan starts to cover some of the cost. Your deductible amount starts over at the beginning of each year.
Health Plan:
Your agreement with a health insurance company. Your health plan will explain what your premium, deductible, out-of-pocket, co-pays, and co-insurance costs are. Your health plan will also help you find out what doctors and offices are covered. Many people use “health plan” and “health insurance” to mean the same thing.
Lawfully present:
Immigrants who were legally admitted to the U.S. and have not stayed longer than the time they were given permission to stay.
Network:
The list of doctors and offices covered by your health plan. In-network providers are approved by your health plan, and insurance will help cover the costs. Out-of-network providers are not approved by your health plan, and you might pay more or the entire bill. It’s always worth checking with your insurance provider to see who is in your plan’s network.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
These are any costs you pay for healthcare. These include your deductible, co-insurance, and co-pays. Any amount not covered by your health plan is an out-of-pocket cost.
Premium:
How much you pay each month for your health plan. You must pay your premium even if you do not go to the doctor or receive care.
Navigator:
A local professional who can help you sign up for health insurance, find a doctor who accepts your insurance, and connect you to other local medical resources. Going to a navigator when you’re ready to sign up for health insurance can be easier than trying to do it on your own.
Supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, under the Grant NH75OT000042 CDC-RFA-OT21-2103 National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities, via the Washington State Department of Health. Materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of or endorsement by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Washington State Department of Health.
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