How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Program in Washington State
Use Washington Connection, Not Healthplanfinder
The most common application mistake in Washington has nothing to do with your income or documents — it's submitting on the wrong website. Washington runs two separate health benefit portals:
- Washington Connection (washingtonconnection.org) — for Medicare Savings Programs, aged/blind/disabled benefits, and SSI-related coverage
- Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org) — for ACA marketplace plans for people under 65
Submitting an MSP application through Healthplanfinder for a Medicare-entitled person results in processing delays or administrative rejection. Always use Washington Connection.
Five Ways to Apply
Online: Create an account at washingtonconnection.org and complete the application. The system screens for multiple benefits simultaneously.
Paper form: Download and fill out Form HCA 13-691, the MSP-specific application. This 7-page form skips the asset and resource questions that appear on general DSHS forms — because Washington eliminated the asset test for MSPs.
Phone: Call 1-877-501-2233 to apply verbally. A DSHS representative walks through the application with you over the phone.
Fax: Send your completed HCA 13-691 to 1-888-338-7410.
In person: Drop off your application at any DSHS Community Services Office. You don't need an appointment for the drop box.
Documents You'll Likely Need
DSHS verifies most Social Security and Medicare information automatically through federal data exchanges (SOLQ and BENDEX systems). You usually won't need to dig up your Social Security award letter.
You will need documentation for:
- Identity: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Washington residency: Utility bill, lease, or mail showing a Washington address
- Non-SSA income: Private pension statements, annuity pay stubs, VA benefit letters, or self-employment records
- Earned income (if working): Recent pay stubs showing gross earnings
If DSHS can't verify something electronically, they'll send a Request for Information letter giving you 10 to 30 days to respond.
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Processing Timeline
Federal rules require DSHS to process MSP applications within 45 calendar days. After approval, it takes another 60 to 90 days for SSA to stop withholding the Part B premium from your Social Security check and issue reimbursement for any premiums withheld during processing.
SLMB and QI-1 benefits can be applied retroactively up to three calendar months before the month you apply. QMB starts prospectively — the first day of the month after approval.
Don't Let the Multi-Program Form Scare You
If you use a general DSHS application form (like Form DSHS 14-001) instead of the MSP-specific HCA 13-691, you'll encounter questions about bank accounts and assets. Answer them if you're also applying for food assistance or long-term care Medicaid, but know that your answers have zero bearing on MSP eligibility. Washington does not count assets for Medicare Savings Programs.
For a complete application walkthrough with an income worksheet and document checklist, see the Washington Medicare Savings Programs & Extra Help Guide.
Get Your Free Washington — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist
Download the Washington — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.