Health care resources for people experiencing homelessness

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Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711

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	Home » Health Care for the Homeless Network » Health care resources

Health Care for the Homeless Network
Health care resources for people experiencing homelessness

	Free and low cost health insurance
	Clinic locations
	Mental health programs
	Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services
	Shelter, housing, and other resources

Free and low cost health insurance

Health services are available on-site at selected shelters, day centers, transitional housing programs, and other homeless programs in King County. Homeless people should check with their program about whether on-site health services are available.

Homeless people can also access care at numerous community and public health clinics at locations throughout King County. Services are free or low cost, depending on income. Check with specific clinics about hours, appointments, and availability of walk in services.

Learn more about free or low-cost health insurance
Many children, families and adults in Washington State may be able to get free or low cost health insurance. Your ability to get these state and federal sponsored medical programs is based on income and family size.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration - Healthy Options
Healthy Options is the DSHS Medicaid managed care program for low income people in the state of Washington. Healthy Options offers eligible families, children under 19, and pregnant women a complete medical benefit package.

Homeless exemption: Most people in Healthy Options must select a health care plan. People who are homeless, however, can request a temporary exemption from signing up for a health care plan and receive medical coupons instead. The exemption must be specifically requested.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services now has an onine application for benefits.

Clinic locations

Public Health Centers (clinics)
Services are provided at Public Health Centers located in Seattle and King County. Fees are based according to one's income. Most Public Health Centers are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Many clinics also offer evening hours.

Harborview Medical Center - Pioneer Square Clinic
The Pioneer Square Clinic provides primary health care and treats acute problems for adults in the downtown area. Appointments can be made in advance and the clinic accepts walk-in patients.

Community Clinics
The Washington Association of Community & Migrant Health Centers provides a comprehensive list of community and migrant health centers in Washington State and the services they provide. Clinics accept clients without insurance as well as those with Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance. Fees are based according to one's income.

Washington Health Foundation -- Community Health Access Program

Health care referrals for families with children - staff speak English and Spanish, interpretation services are available for other languages.

Veteran's programs

Mental health programs

Mental Health, Chemical Abuse & Dependency Services Division, King County Department of Community & Human Services
The mission of the King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division is to ensure that persons with chemical dependency and/or severe mental illness have access to a system of care within the community which is comprehensive, coordinated and age- and culturally-competent.

Prepaid Health Plan Benefit Brochure
A guide to public mental health services in King County

Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services

Chemical Abuse and Dependency Service Providers in King County
List of chemical abuse and dependency service providers in King County and other specialized agencies.

King County Treatment Programs: Inpatient, Outpatient, Therapeutic Communities and Methadone

Trail to Treatment (Adobe PDF)
This guidebook is for outreach workers, case managers, counselors and other front line staff who refer adults to alcohol and drug treatment in Seattle and King County.

Shelter, housing, and other resources

The Crisis Clinic of King County maintains a database of thousands of community organizations, including agencies providing emergency shelter and affordable housing. Visit their web site www.crisisclinic.org or call them to speak with a referral specialist.

Community Information Line
Dial 2-1-1. (If 2-1-1 does not yet work for you, call either the local, toll-free or TDD numbers):

Phone: 206-461-3200
Toll Free: 800-621-4636
TTY/TDD: 206-461-3610

24-Hour Crisis Line
Phone: 206-461-3222
Toll Free: 800-244-5767
TTY/TDD: 206-461-3219

Related Public Health programs and services:

Pandemic Flu

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

West Nile Virus

Tuberculosis Program

HIV/AIDS Program

Needle Exchange locations and schedule

Harm reduction and drug use

Public Health Centers and Teen Health Clinics

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program

Kids Get Care: A program to ensure that children, regardless of insurance status, receive early integrated preventive physical, oral and developmental health services through attachment to a health care home.

Family Planning: Provides reproductive health, birth control, STD, outreach and education services for King County residents in order to promote sexual health and well being and reduce unintended pregnancies.

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