How can i change my medical plan

Most Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) eligible individuals receive their coverage through a managed care plan.

Table of Contents Show

How do I change my plan?
When can I change a plan?
How do I change my plan during open enrollment?
How do I change my plan during special enrollment?
I just signed up but haven't received my Blue Cross ID card yet. How do I change my plan?
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
Health Plan FAQ
Can I change my Medi
What are the two types of Medi
How do I change my Medi
Can a care plan be changed?

If you're currently enrolled in an Apple Health managed care plan, you can switch to a different plan available in your area. Depending on when you make your request, your new plan will usually start the first of the next month. View the managed care FAQ for more information.

The Health Care Authority offers five health plans that provide services to our Apple Health clients. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Amerigroup Washington
Community Health Plan of Washington
Coordinated Care of Washington
Molina Healthcare of Washington
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

All health plans offer the same basic services.

How do I change my plan?

There are several ways to switch your plan:

Change your plan on the Washington Healthplanfinder website.
Visit the ProviderOne Client Portal website.
Request a change online:
- Select the topic “Enroll/Change Health Plans.”
Call the Health Care Authority at 1-800-562-3022 (TRS: 711).

Who is this for?

If you purchase your own health coverage and are wondering when and how you can change your plan, this explains your options.

Having health insurance is important. Having the right health insurance is just as important. When you need to change your plan, we'll help you understand what you can do and when you can do it.

Note: If you get your health coverage through an employer, contact them about when you can change your plan. If you need information about changing your Medicare plan, visit our Medicare site.

When can I change a plan?

You have two opportunities:

During open enrollment. Open enrollment for 2023 is Nov. 1, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023.
During special enrollment. You're eligible if you've had certain changes in your life, also called qualifying events.

These are the only times you can change a plan. If you miss open enrollment, or don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you’ll have to wait.

How do I change my plan during open enrollment?

How you change your plan depends on how you purchased the one you already have.

If you purchased your plan on bcbsm.com, you can sign up for a new plan online, too. We'll do the rest.
If you purchased the plan you want to change through a health plan advisor or agent, contact them.
If you purchased the plan you want to change on healthcare.gov, log in to your account there. See Changing health plans after you enroll to get started.

How do I change my plan during special enrollment?

When you have certain changes in your life, you don't have to wait for open enrollment to change your plan. Generally, you can do it up to 60 days after the event any time during the year. For more information, see How do I buy or change a plan during special enrollment?

Blue Care Network HMO received a 5-star rating – Medicare’s highest possible rating for 2022. During this special enrollment period, Medicare members can switch to this plan. Our 5-star special enrollment page has more information.

I just signed up but haven't received my Blue Cross ID card yet. How do I change my plan?

If you purchased the plan you want to change through a health plan advisor or agent, contact them.
If you purchased the plan you want to change on healthcare.gov, log in to your account there. See Changing health plans after you enroll to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

How do I change plans?
If you have been approved for Medicaid, you may change your plan during the first 120 days of your enrollment. After the 120 days, you will only be able to change your plan during your open enrollment period or with a State-approved For Cause reason.
What is "Open Enrollment"?
Open Enrollment is the 60-day period each year when you can change plans without state approval. Open enrollment occurs yearly based on the region where you live. See the chart below.

Regions First day to change Last day to change Plan effective date
9-11 October 1 November 30 December 1
5-8 November 1 December 31 January 1
1-4 December 1 January 31 February 1
What is the "No Change period"?
The no change period is the time period between the end of your initial first 120 days of enrollment and your 60-day annual open enrollment period. No change period also exists between your 60-day open enrollment periods going forward. Please refer to the below chart for reference. You will receive reminder letters assisting you with these time periods.
What is "For Cause"?
This is a State-approved reason to change plans during the no change period.
What happens to my plan if I relocate or my address changes?
If your address changes, you may need to select another plan if your region has changed. You may need to contact the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at 1-866-762-2237 or the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 to report a change in address.

Health Plan FAQ

Will enrolling into MMA cancel my Medicare?
No, the MMA program will not cancel your Medicare. You are allowed to be enrolled in this program and Medicare at the same time because they cover different services.
If I enroll in a MMA plan, will it change my enrollment in a Medicaid waiver?
No. If you are enrolled in a MMA plan, your enrollment in a Medicaid waiver will not change and your waiver services will not change.
If my Long-term Care plan is also an MMA plan, can I choose it to be my MMA plan?
Yes. You can only be enrolled into one plan. If you are eligible for both LTC and MMA, you will receive services through the same plan.
I have a special healthcare need. Are there special plans that will cover my needs?
Yes. All MMA plans cover people with special health care needs. There may also be special plans in your area for your health care needs. Also, if you have a child with a special health care need, the state’s Children’s Medical Services Network plan may be available to you. You may want to choose MMA plans that best meet your family’s needs.
I am pregnant. How do I enroll my baby in my MMA plan?
If you are not enrolled into a Specialty plan, the State will enroll your baby into the same MMA plan. This will begin when your baby is born. Please tell your MMA plan and your doctor that you are pregnant. Your MMA plan can help you get the care you need. If you are enrolled in a Specialty plan, your baby will be assigned to a different MMA plan.
When do I choose an MMA Plan?
An MMA plan may be chosen during the following events:
- Upon application for Medicaid
- Initial 120 days after plan enrollment

Dental FAQ

Will enrolling into the Dental program cancel my Medicare?
No, the Dental program will not cancel your Medicare. You are allowed to be enrolled in this program and Medicare at the same time because they cover different services.
If I enroll in a Dental plan, will it change my enrollment in a Medicaid waiver?
No, the Dental program will not cancel your Medicare. You are allowed to be enrolled in this program and Medicare at the same time because they cover different services.
I am pregnant. How do I enroll my baby in my Dental plan?
The State will enroll your baby into the same Dental plan. This will begin when your baby is born.
When do I choose a Dental plan?
A Dental plan may be changed during the following events:
- Upon application for Medicaid
- Initial 120 days after plan enrollment
- Open Enrollment
Why does my MMA no longer cover dental?
Florida Lawmakers asked the state (Agency For Healthcare Administration) to separate dental from the MMA plans and to cover the services under stand-alone Medicaid dental plans. Click here to see what dental plans are available.
What extra benefits does my Dental plan cover?
All dental plans offer the same expanded (extra) benefits if you are 21 or older and with prior approval from your dental plan. Click here to see a list of expanded benefits.
What services does my Dental plan cover?
For children, comprehensive dental care, including medically necessary dental services. For adults, all State Plan dental services. Such as dental exams, dental screenings, dental X-rays, and extractions. Click here to see a list of benefits.
What dental plans are available?
The Medicaid dentals plans are DentaQuest, Liberty, and MCNA Dental. Click here for plan contact information.
Am I required to have a dental plan?
All Medicaid recipients, whether they are getting services through straight Medicaid or a MMA plan, are required to enroll in a dental plan. This includes Medically Needy and iBudget recipients. Please contact the State at 1-877-254-1055 for more information about enrollment in dental plans.
I have a dental appointment scheduled but now my plan has changed? Can I still go to my appointment? Will it be covered?
Dental plans must cover any ongoing course of treatment for up to 90 days after the new plan’s start date if it was authorized prior to enrollment into the new plan. This is called continuity of care. Active Orthodontia services go beyond the 90-day period, the services lasts until the completion of care.
My child has braces. If I change plans, will they still be covered?
Dental plans must cover any ongoing course of treatment for up to 90 days after the new plan’s start date if it was authorized prior to enrollment into the plan. This is called continuity of care. Active Orthodontia services go beyond the 90-day period, the services last until the completion of care.

Can I change my Medi

If you are not happy with your medical plan, you can choose another medical plan, if available. To change your medical plan, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077). Or you can complete a Medi-Cal Choice Form. You can find the form on the Download forms page.

What are the two types of Medi

This is a guidebook for people with disabilities and seniors who have Medi-Cal. This guidebook explains the two kinds of Medi-Cal: Regular Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Health Plans.

How do I change my Medi

You must report changes to Covered California within 30 days. For Medi-Cal, you must report it within 10 days. To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.

Can a care plan be changed?

Renewal usually starts in the fall right before the open-enrollment period. At that point, you'll be able to switch your plan and make any changes. You can always report changes when things like your household size and income have changed.