Health
Ask about it
Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Programs in Washington
Washington programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington has a fuller page for this topic. See all Washington help for this
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Washington State Health Care Authority
Behavioral health services
DSHS connects residents with behavioral health treatment and recovery services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Apple Health for Kids
In Washington, CHIP is called Apple Health for Kids.
Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage to eligible children in Washington.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Help lines in Washington
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 Lifeline. Call or text 988 any time if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a mental health or substance use crisis.
24 hours, every day
Call 988Checked on September 15, 2026
- Washington Recovery Help Line
Crisis Connections. Help for substance use, problem gambling, and mental health, with referrals to local treatment.
24 hours, every day
Call 1-866-789-1511Checked on September 15, 2026
- Washington Healthplanfinder customer support
Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Help applying for Apple Health (Medicaid) or a health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, and help with your account. TTY: 1-855-627-9604.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. During open enrollment (November 1 to January 31): Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 7 PM.
Call 1-855-923-4633Checked on October 8, 2026
- Apple Health customer service
Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). Questions about Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage, benefits, managed care plans, renewals, and bills.
Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM
Call 1-800-562-3022Checked on October 8, 2026
- Community Living Connections
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). One number to find help for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers: in-home care, caregiver support, and other long-term services. Your call goes to your local office.
Call 1-855-567-0252Checked on October 8, 2026
- SHIBA: free Medicare help
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Free, unbiased help with Medicare choices from trained volunteers (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors).
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Call 800-562-6900Checked on October 8, 2026
- WA Warm Line
Crisis Connections. Talk with a trained volunteer who has been through mental health challenges and recovery. For support when you are not in crisis. Calls can last up to 20 minutes, once a day.
Every day, 2 PM to 9 PM
Call 877-500-9276Checked on October 8, 2026
- Teen Link
Crisis Connections. Call, text, or chat with a peer about school, friends, family, dating, or whatever is on your mind. Free and private. When Teen Link is closed, call or text 988.
Every day, 6 PM to 10 PM
Call 866-833-6546Checked on October 8, 2026
- Washington Poison Center
Washington Poison Center. Free, confidential help from poison specialists for poisonings, swallowed medicines or chemicals, and other toxic exposures. You can also text 206-526-2121.
24 hours, every day
Call 1-800-222-1222Checked on October 8, 2026
- Native and Strong Lifeline: call 988, then press 4
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Washington. A crisis line answered by Native crisis counselors, for American Indian and Alaska Native people in Washington. Call 988 and press 4, or text N8V to 988.
24 hours, every day
Call 988Checked on October 8, 2026
- Veterans Crisis Line: call 988, then press 1
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
24 hours, every day
Call 988Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal programs
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Social Security Administration
Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health care
Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Washington 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988