Tara’s family loves the outdoors and all things Northwest. Staying healthy and safe is always on her mind, especially with a son with asthma and eczema. Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage provided peace of mind to enjoy life and grow their business.
Before Apple Health, her husband and son were paying $600 per month for a qualified health plan (QHP). Tara called Washington Healthplanfinder to enroll in a QHP when she left her job and lost her employer-sponsored insurance. Since they only had her husband’s self-employment income, her son qualified for Apple Health for Kids with Premiums (CHIP) and her and her husband for a QHP with tax credits. Their $30 CHIP premium drastically lowered their monthly health insurance costs which helped them save money to invest into their business.
Applying for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder with a navigator was easy and she felt grateful to live in a state with expanded Medicaid. At first, Tara had a hard time accepting help from Apple Health. When she finally told her mom about her son’s Apple Health coverage and how it covers everything, she reassured her the coverage is for anyone who qualifies.
Tara’s son struggled with eczema and was referred to a dermatologist for the itching. Before Apple Health, they would get bills for those appointments, but now Apple Health covers it all. With her son’s eczema managed and a nebulizer in hand when colds came, his health was under control.
When their family grew, she enrolled her newborn daughter in CHIP. Tara had great experiences with the pediatrician. “Knowing that when they go to the doctor, they are going to have good care and it’s not going to be financially devastating… is amazing,” she said.
In 2021, Tara was able to cover her entire family through a new employer’s health insurance plan. “We are so thankful that Apple Health was there for us,” she said. “I think all kids should have free and good health insurance... I just wish more people used it.”
For more information on Apple Health for kids with premiums visit our eligibility webpage. See if your family qualify for free or low-cost health care at wahealthplanfinder.org.