No-cost and low-cost health-care premiums reach thousands
As a result of the Fair Start for Kids Act, DCYF has partnered with the Washington Health Benefits Exchange (WAHBE). DCYF refers all Child Care professionals that work within a Washington State licensed Child Care Facility that do not qualify for Child Care Health Benefits. WAHBE is currently covering 624 Licensed Child Care Providers’ premiums. Providers pay $0 per month for the Premium Assistance Program for Employees of Child Care Facilities. WAHBE also provides low-cost health care coverage. Fifty-seven percent of all interested individuals who have contacted WAHBE have been connected with no-cost or low-cost health insurance.
Other options for Licensed Family Homes
Health Care premiums are covered at no-cost or low-cost for nearly 1,500 Licensed Child Care Providers due to DCYF’s efforts to make health care accessible to child care workers in Licensed Family Homes. DCYF and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 925 negotiated a Collective Bargaining Agreement to provide Child Care Health Benefits. Currently, 828 Licensed Family Home Child Care providers benefit from a low-cost health insurance package that includes dental and 24-7 mental health care. The cost for Licensed Family Home providers is only $30 per month.