I know I need health insurance, but I don’t know where to start.
We get it. Shopping for health insurance can be confusing. You may have questions about when you can enroll, what is available to you, and what he difference is between all the plans. We’re here to walk you through the different options.
If you don’t have health coverage through work, you’re self-employed, or you’re not eligible for other health coverage:
You may be eligible for Individual & Family Plans.
These are health insurance plans that meet standards for value and quality. You can buy these health plans and check if you qualify for savings through the state’s Washington Healthplanfinder website.
What are Individual & Family Cascade Care and Cascade Select plans?
Individual & Family Plans are quality health insurance plans offered on states’ Affordable Care Act health benefit “exchanges” or marketplaces for people who do not receive health insurance through their employment, and/or who don’t qualify for other coverage like Apple Health (Medicaid) or Medicare. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for financial help to lower your costs.
Cascade Care plans are a type of Individual & Family Plan that is available in Washington State through Washington Healthplanfinder. They meet higher quality standards than non-Cascade Care plans. These plans are also built to be easy to compare.
All Cascade Care plans cover essential health services like doctor visits, preventive care, and prescriptions. These plans also offer lower deductibles and more covered services before the deductible. You also get to choose between different metal levels which vary based on how much you pay for care versus your monthly cost or premium.
Cascade Select is a type of Cascade Care plan often referred to as Washington’s “public option” plan. Cascade Select plans are also easy to compare with other Cascade Select plans and meet additional standards of quality and value. These plans are also available in different metal levels, so you can choose the plan that best fits your health needs.
CHPW’s Individual & Family Plans are Cascade Select Plans
Terms to know
Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.
Coinsurance: The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you’ve paid your deductible. In some cases, services are covered pre-deductible, meaning your health plan shares costs with you before you pay anything toward health services.
Copayment: A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a health care service, usually when you receive the service.
What is the difference between the Cascade Select Bronze, Silver and Gold plans?
The main difference is whether you want to pay less at the time you receive care, or pay a lower monthly premium. Metal categories have nothing to do with the quality of care, which is the same across plans.
You might also be eligible for savings called subsidies (tax credits) or cost-share reductions that lower your costs.
Bronze
- Lowest monthly cost (premium)
- Highest cost when you get care
Bronze is a good choice for people who do not think they will need to use their coverage but want protection against the high costs of primary or specialty care if uninsured or serious health events like an injury or accident.
Silver
- Moderate monthly cost (premium)
- Moderate cost when you get care
Silver is a good choice if you get care a few times per year and are eligible for cost-share reductions* based on your income.
In 2026, a Silver plan may not be as affordable as it was in previous years.
Vital Gold
- Lower* to higher monthly cost (premium)
- Lower cost when you get care
New in 2026, this plan gives you gold-level coverage with a lower monthly premium. For some people, this plan will offer the most value and lower costs than a Silver plan.
Complete Gold
- Highest monthly cost (premium)
- Lowest cost when you get care
You might consider Complete Gold if you receive care frequently throughout the year or want the lowest costs when you need care.
You’ll see your exact monthly cost when you apply through Washington Healthplanfinder. Ahead of applying, you can preview how care costs compare by metal level.
*Different types of savings may be available based on metal level and what you qualify for.
When can I enroll in CHPW Individual & Family Plans?
November 1 through January 15 is the annual Open Enrollment Period when anyone can shop for, enroll in, or change coverage for the new year.
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period at any time of year if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.
Do I need to renew my Cascade Select plan every year?
You will receive a letter with details. Either way, it’s important to know that health plans change every year. So be sure to look at your options and make changes if needed by December 15 so you don’t lose coverage.
Check the deductible, your premium, and cost-share amounts. Also make sure your income and household details are accurate in your Washington Healthplanfinder account.
Who is eligible for CHPW Individual & Family Plans?
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in Washington State
- Not be in jail or prison
- Apply during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period
Visit our eligibility page for more details.
I need to change my insurance plan, when can I switch plans?
For Washingtonians who are eligible for Cascade Select, they can switch their insurance during open enrollment from November 1 through January 15, or if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
You or someone in your family may qualify for other health plans if:
You have low income
Then you may qualify for Washington State Apple Health (Medicaid). Kids and adults up to age 64 may be eligible if their annual household income is below a certain amount.
Are 65 years old or have a disability or qualifying medical condition
Then you may be eligible for federal Medicare. (You may even be dual eligible for Medicaid and Medicare!)
Learn more
- Learn more about the CHPW Individual & Family Cascade Select Plans
- See Individual & Family Plan FAQs
- Call us at 1-833-993-0181 (TTY: 711) or visit Washington Healthplanfinder to enroll in a CHPW Individual & Family Plan online.
- Apple Health (Medicaid) eligibility
- Learn more about Washington State Cascade Care Plans.