Not all health care needs can be met by a patient’s Primary Care Provider. Sometimes patients need to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or surgeon. Generally, patients are referred to a specialist by their Primary Care Provider or family doctor for a specific condition or diagnosis.
Q: What is Whatcom Project Access?
A: Whatcom Project Access is a community program where doctors, the hospital and supporting service providers donate specialty care to uninsured, low income people in Whatcom County. WPA is not a medical insurance and is meant to be utilized as a short term option.
Q: Am I eligible to receive services through WPA?
- I am a resident of Whatcom County.
- I am uninsured (this includes any state or private health insurance including “High Deductible” or “Catastrophic” insurance).
- I am not receiving and am not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.
- My gross family income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level. I do not have significant assets or other financial resources to pay for my own health care.
- I am able to provide proof of income, assets and Whatcom County residency.
- I have been referred to a specialist by my Primary Care Provider or an Emergency Department Physician.
Q: How do I sign up for the program?
A: To get started, you will need to have your doctor’s office fax us a referral for specialty care. If you don’t have a doctor, please call WAHA at 788-6594 and we can help you find a doctor who can refer you for specialty care, if necessary. When we receive your referral, a WAHA Access Counselor will call you to ask you some questions and if you qualify and will schedule you for an intake appointment.
Q: What happens once I am enrolled?
A: When you are enrolled, you will meet with the Care Coordinator who will explain how the program works. After your appointment, the Care Coordinator will contact the next available specialist and schedule a consult appointment.
Q: How does the program help?
A: WPA will help connect you with donated specialty care, imaging, labs and support services, if available. WPA can also help patients look at options for lowering their prescription costs. WPA can only connect patients with donated services. If a donation is not available, patients may be responsible for all or a portion of their bill.
Additional Resources
Income Guidelines