Physical Health Resources
Many low-income and families experiencing homelessness including youth, lack healthcare that is affordable and accessible. To ensure your physical health will never be jeopardized or have to be set aside for other financial priorities, please refer to the resources below that offer accessible, low-cost, or free health care.
WA Apple Health is the Medicaid program of Washington state, offering free and low-cost health care including preventative screenings, medications, treatments, and other necessities. Families who do not qualify for Apple Health are still referred to the Special Enrollment program in the case of financial instability that impairs the ability to receive affordable healthcare.
Hopelink provides free emergency and non-emergency transportation to receive health treatment for anyone who benefits from Medicaid.
UW Medicine plans to expand the availability of telemedicine across the system, including both primary and specialty care. The UW Neighborhood Clinics are now providing most healthcare virtually, either by video or phone, which is especially useful in the case of unreliable transportation to your healthcare. Their clinics and urgent care locations will remain open for in-person care that is medically urgent and cannot be provided virtually.
Medicaid programs offer free health for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness under 19. Medicaid also offers a transitional program for those over 19. THIS DOCUMENT holds a step-by-step guide and more information for displaced youth to utilize based on your situation.
Seattle "Towers of Tampons and Pyramids of Pads" offers free menstrual products including tampons, pads, liners, and more to any person experiencing their menstrual cycle, particularly for low-income people and people experiencing homelessness. Their website also offers other similar organizations that may best benefit you based on your location.