Health Care Resources

Research has shown that ANHPI communities face numerous health disparities, many of which stem from or are exacerbated by medical marginalization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinx nurses and members of the NHPI community faced disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalizations and deaths. South Asians are at disproportionate risk of heart disease. Stigma prevents many within our communities from seeking help for mental health. COFA Islanders were barred from affordable healthcare for decades.

To help our communities find culturally appropriate care, we’ve compiled a list of organizations and resources for public use.

Abortion Care

Abortion is still legal in Washington state. Washington state has a long history of supporting the full spectrum of reproductive rights and will continue to do so. The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and Washington State is committed to ensuring broad accessto sexual and reproductive health services.

Abortion Rights in Washington State

Apple Health/Medicaid

In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Apple Health provides preventative care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services. If you do not qualify for Apple Health, you may qualify for help with your health insurance or for other health services. Visit Washington Healthplanfinderor use the WAPlanfinder appto learn if you qualify.

Am I eligible?

COFA Health Care and Dental Care

Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islander Health Care began in 2019 as a Health Care Authority program that pays the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for eligible COFA Islanders. COFA islanders include people from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated State of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) was restored for individuals from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau on December 27, 2020 through the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This means COFA Islanders living in Washington may now be eligible for Apple Health, including individuals currently enrolled in COFA Islander programs.

More information about Apple Health:

You may be eligible for COFA Islander Dental Care if you enroll in a qualified dental plan and:

  • Have COFA Islander Health Care or if you have Medicare and:
    • Are a COFA islander
    • Have income less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL)*
    • Live in Washington

COFA Islander Dental Care fact sheet | Chuukese | Kosraean | Marshallese | Palauan | Pohnpeian | Yapese

At the end of 2019, HCA released a report to the legislature per the requirements of SSB 5563. The legislative report on the implementation of COFA Islander Health Care that includes:

  • The number of individuals participating in the program
  • The actual cost of the program compared to predicted costs
  • The results of the community education and outreach campaign
  • Funding needed to continue the program through the end of the biennium

A copy of the report is available for download here, and can also be found at HCA’s website: https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/legislative-reports

Mental Health Resources

The following organizations or lists provide mental health resources for ANHPI individuals:

The following are lists that provide organizations or individuals who provide mental health services:

Asian Counseling and Referral Service

ACRS promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities – including immigrants, refugees, and American-born – by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, effective and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services.

Services include (but are not limited to):

Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC)

CISC is a nonprofit organization working to support immigrants and their families by creating opportunities for them to succeed, while honoring their heritage. Our team of bilingual staff provide linguistically and culturally appropriate information, referral, advocacy, social, and support services to the Chinese immigrant community and immigrants from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and other parts of Asia. Our services include early childhood education, youth development, family support, senior and disabled adult services, and health care access programs. We provide these services at our offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and Redmond and numerous community-based sites.

Services include (but are not limited to):

International Community Health Services

Deeply rooted in the Asian Pacific Islander community, ICHS provides culturally and linguistically appropriate health and wellness services and promotes health equity for all.

Services include (but are not limited to):

Khmer Health Board

The Khmer Health Board is made up of Khmer American Professionals in health care, public, health, and social services that serve King County of Washington.The KHB understands the unique needs of the Khmer community living within the King County region through shared and lived experiences, and our members’ community work.

Services include (but are not limited to):

  • COVID-19 resources
  • Mental illness and drug dependency
  • Resident Assistance Program – rent and grocery assistance

Pacific Islander Community Association (PICA-WA)

The Pacific Islander Community Association of WA (PICA-WA) serves as a cultural home, centers community power and advocates to further the wellness of Pacific Islander communities in Washington State.

Services include (but are not limited to):

Pacific Islander Health Board (PIHB)

The Pacific Islander Health Board seeks to cultivate resilience within our communities to achieve health equity through culturally safe and community driven solutions, traditions, advocacy, and policies.

Services include but are not limited to: