Washington Guides
General Resources
These guides work no matter where you live:
Articles for Washington
How to Help Your Parent Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Washington
Adult children can apply on behalf of a parent using DSHS authorized representative forms. Learn the process, SHIBA counseling, and what standing you …
How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Program in Washington State
Step-by-step guide to applying for Washington MSP through Washington Connection, Form HCA 13-691, phone, or in person at a DSHS office.
Medicare Savings Program Washington State: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply
Learn how Washington's Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1) can pay your Part B premium and more. Eligibility rules, income limits, and applica…
Social Security Fairness Act Impact on Washington QMB Eligibility
How the WEP and GPO repeal affects Medicare Savings Program eligibility in Washington. Higher Social Security checks may push income above QMB or SLMB…
Washington Connection vs Healthplanfinder: Which Portal for Medicare Savings Programs
Washington runs two health portals. Medicare Savings Programs go through Washington Connection — not Healthplanfinder. Here's how to avoid the wrong o…
How to Read Washington DSHS Notice Codes for Medicare Savings Programs
Decode ACES coverage codes S03, S05, and S08 on your DSHS notice. Learn what each code means for your Medicare benefits and what to do if the notice i…
Washington Extra Help for Medicare Prescription Drugs: How MSP Approval Gets You Automatic Coverage
Approval for Washington QMB, SLMB, or QI-1 automatically triggers Extra Help for Part D prescriptions. Learn how deemed eligibility works, copay caps,…
Washington State Help Paying Medicare Premiums: Programs That Cover Part B Costs
Washington offers multiple programs to pay your Medicare Part B premium. No asset test required. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.
Washington Medicare Savings Program Estate Recovery: What Families Need to Know
Learn whether Washington State can recover MSP benefits from your parent's estate. QMB, SLMB, and QI-1 are exempt from estate recovery under WAC 182-5…
How Washington Calculates Income for Medicare Savings Programs
Washington uses specific disregards and deductions to calculate countable income for MSP eligibility. Learn the $20 rule, spousal income, and earned i…