Best Health Insurance Agencies in Yakima, WA

Yakima, WA Health Insurance FAQs

• Do companies in Yakima have to offer health insurance?

  Yes, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) says that if a Yakima business has 50 or more full-time equivalent employees, they have to offer qualified and affordable health benefits or pay big tax fines. However, there is no requirement to offer health insurance if the company employs fewer than 50 employees.

• What health benefits must companies offer to the families of their employees in Yakima?

  Every Yakima employer with 50 or more employees is required to follow the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. This law requires such employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees for reasons such as childbirth or adoption, or to deal with a serious health condition affecting the employee or an immediate family member.

• Is it prohibited to live in Yakima without health insurance?

  No, Yakima residents are not required to have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Despite the fact that some states have their own health insurance regulations, Washington is not one of them. People who want to be covered during open enrollment can do so through the government-run exchange, a private insurer, or a registered health insurance broker like eHealth.

• Are employers in Yakima required to provide their employees with vision insurance?

  Employers in Yakima are not required to provide vision plan benefits to their employees, but they may choose to do so if they are at risk of digital eye strain due to long hours in front of a computer screen. Other types of coverage that can be added include dental plans, medical care, and life insurance.

• Are kids in Yakima eligible for affordable health insurance?

  Eligible Yakima children can obtain low-cost health insurance through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), also known as Apple Health for Kids. This Washington program provides comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision care. It is intended to provide low-income children with affordable or free health insurance based on income and other criteria.