Is it possible to get low cost health insurance in Washington? The numbers seem to say no. Health insurance premiums increased by 19-24 percent each year from 1997-2001. However, you can still find low cost health insurance if you know where to look.

Explore State Sponsored Programs

Washington offers several state-sponsored programs to help low-income residents afford health insurance:

* Washington Basic Health program, which provides reduced-cost health care coverage through private health plans to Washington state residents who don't qualify for Medicare, but meet the Basic Health program financial guidelines. Monthly premiums for this program are based on age, income, family size, and health plan chosen.

For more information on this program go to: basichealth.hca.wa.gov

* Washington State Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance for children.

For more information on this program go to: fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/chip

* Washington State Health Insurance Pool provides health insurance to Washington residents who have been denied coverage through private health insurance companies.

For more information on this program go to: www.wship.org

Do Some Comparison Shopping

If you don't qualify for any of these state-sponsored health plans, you'll need to explore private health insurance. The best way to find an affordable private health insurance plan is to use an insurance comparison website to compare rates. You'll find that insurance companies have different prices for similar insurance policies. Therefore, you can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparison shopping.

On an insurance comparison website you'll fill out a simple form with information about yourself and your health insurance needs. Then you'll receive quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.

You may have questions about your health insurance options, so look for an insurance comparison website that offers an online chat feature. With this feature, you can talk with insurance professionals and get answers to all your health insurance questions (see link below).