How to Help Your Parent Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Washington

DSHS Won't Talk to You Without Paperwork

If you call DSHS about your parent's MSP application and you're not on file as their representative, the conversation ends with a privacy wall. Under HIPAA and state administrative rules, DSHS staff cannot confirm whether an application was received, share eligibility details, or accept signed forms from someone without legal standing on the case.

This catches adult children off guard. You helped your parent fill out the application, drove them to the office, and now you can't get a status update.

Setting Up Authorized Representative Status

Use Section 2 of Form HCA 13-691, the MSP-specific application. It includes an authorized representative designation built right into the form. When your parent signs that section naming you, DSHS can:

• Discuss the case with you by phone
• Send you copies of all ACES notices
• Accept verification documents you submit
• Let you sign supplemental forms on your parent's behalf

If you're not using HCA 13-691 — say you applied through Washington Connection — you can file a standalone authorization using Form DSHS 14-532 (Consent to Release Information). A general Power of Attorney also works, though DSHS staff tend to process the state-specific forms faster.

Free Help from SHIBA Counselors

Washington's SHIBA program (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through trained volunteers. SHIBA is run by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, not the insurance industry — advisors don't sell plans and have no financial stake in what you choose.

SHIBA counselors can:

• Screen your parent for MSP eligibility
• Explain the differences between QMB, SLMB, and QI-1
• Help identify which application channel makes sense
• Answer questions about Part D Extra Help and prescription coverage

What SHIBA cannot do:

• Complete the application paperwork for your family
• Submit forms to DSHS on your behalf
• Represent you at a fair hearing
• Manage ongoing case documentation

Contact SHIBA at 1-800-562-6900 or find a local counselor through the OIC website. Availability is tighter during Open Enrollment (October through December), so scheduling earlier in the year gives you more flexibility.

When You Need Legal Help

For complex situations — a denied application with an income dispute, a billing protection violation, or a termination you want to appeal — the Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to low-income Washington residents. Call 1-888-201-1014. WashingtonLawHelp.org also publishes self-help materials on DSHS hearing procedures.

NJP attorneys can represent your parent at an OAH fair hearing, which SHIBA volunteers and family representatives cannot do.

Making It Practical

The most effective setup for adult children managing a parent's application:

1. Use Form HCA 13-691 and complete Section 2 to establish your authorized representative status
2. Apply through Washington Connection (washingtonconnection.org)
3. Keep copies of every document submitted, with dates
4. Call SHIBA (1-800-562-6900) if you need a second opinion on eligibility before applying

For a full walkthrough of the authorized representative process and step-by-step application instructions, see the Washington Medicare Savings Programs & Extra Help Guide.

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