The Affordable Care Act has helped many Washingtonians gain the health insurance coverage they need. Many low-income residents who are not eligible for Medicaid have enrolled in the Washington Health Exchange, but they often cannot afford their premiums month after month, even with tax credits. Patients struggle to maintain insurance and pay for care, and hospitals can end up with bad debt and unanticipated charity care. Project Access Northwest’s Premium Assistance Program — which WSHA helped launch — can help these individuals pay their premiums and keep important health care coverage for the entire year.
The program recently completed its third open-enrollment period, and it is sponsored by hospital partners across the state, including Providence Health & Services, Swedish Health Services, UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and MultiCare Health System. Click here to read more about the Premium Assistance Program. (Zosia Stanley)
