In the event of a federal government shutdown, individuals enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board, and School Employees Benefits Board coverage—and those accessing behavioral health services—will not experience a disruption in care. In addition, health care providers will continue to be paid for the services they provide.
If a shutdown occurs, we will share more information at that time.
Request a Zoom license to connect with patients (during the COVID-19 pandemic)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Care Authority (HCA) purchased a limited number of licenses for Zoom, a video conferencing technology that helps health care providers continue seeing patients without a physical encounter. Due to the popularity of the Zoom licenses issued by HCA, we have reached license capacity. Providers requesting a license will be added to a waiting list and issued a license when one becomes available. For those who have a license and continue to be active as described above, the license is good through March 15, 2024. If you previously had a license and it was reverted to basic (meaning you can only host 45 minute meetings), send an email to zoom@hca.wa.gov. Do not apply for a new license.
Current license holders will retain their licenses except in the following situation: If they do not use their license (log into their account, host or join a meeting) for 30 days, the license will be removed and reissued to a provider that is on the waiting list. In the past, providers could email zoom@hca.wa.gov and we would relicense the account. Going forward, if we receive a request for a license to be reinstated, the provider will be added to the waiting list (they will not have to reapply for a new license).
Zoom is an easy-to-use software which allows providers to host a virtual “meeting room” (i.e., a dedicated, provider specific URL) in which patients can enter and exit for their appointments.
Who can receive a license?
We will distribute this limited number of licenses free of charge to providers who have a meaningful need for this platform to support continuity of care, and don’t already have access to telehealth technology.
HCA will prioritize Zoom licenses for those providers who need them most, including those who:
Serve a meaningful number of Medicaid clients.
Do not already have other HIPAA or 42 CFR Part 2-compliant video capabilities.
Are in smaller practices with less infrastructure.
Serve children, adolescents, pregnant or parenting women or tribal members.
Are primary care providers.
Are licensed behavioral health professionals or paraprofessionals, including those who:
Are opioid treatment programs.
Prescribe or support prescribers of medications to people diagnosed with significant mental illness or substance use disorder.
By downloading, installing, or otherwise using a Zoom license, You are agreeing to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this service and solely responsible for Your use in connection with the provision of care, including all applicable federal and state health care standards.
Neither the State of Washington, nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington warrants the accuracy or reliability of any materials or information provided through this service, or its suitability for any particular purpose. We do not make any warranty that the service will meet your requirements, or that it will be uninterrupted, timely, error-free, or that defects, if any, will be corrected.
Neither the State of Washington, nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington shall be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy or reliability of any materials or information provided through this service, or its suitability for any particular purpose.