Note Most, but not all, of our state Kaiser plans, are covered at Kaiser Permanente of Washington. If you are insured through Kaiser, please consult your program administrator to ensure your policy covers you here in Washington.

Students enrolled in Kaiser Permanente medical insurance plans are eligible to receive services at Counseling, Health, & Wellness Services (CHWS) just as any student with or without medical insurance. There are a few things to know about your insurance coverage and charges that may be incurred at CHWS.

Generally, Kaiser will not pay for expenses (office visits, medicine prescriptions, and diagnostic testing such as lab, x-rays, CT scans, etc.) unless a medical provider orders them within their system. This may be an important consideration when you need medical care. If you are unsure whether our evaluation of your problem might result in charges, ask to speak with the CHWS Consulting Nurse before making an appointment. Some students may choose to go directly to Kaiser, and some may choose to be seen at CHWS and pay "out of pocket" for any charges incurred here.

If you have out of state Kaiser Permanente medical coverage, you will need to contact Kaiser Permanente of Washington customer service department and request a visiting member number. You will be assigned to the local medical center and a primary care provider (PCP). This will help expedite the process when you need to be seen for medical care. When the need arises, you can either call or make an appointment to see your primary care provider or, after talking with the Kaiser Consulting Nurse, be seen at their urgent care clinic. It helps to talk with the Kaiser Consulting Nurse or your primary care provider's office before showing up at the urgent care clinic.

For more information about Kaiser Permanente of Washington, go to www.ghc.org and navigate to the appropriate subjects.

Important Group Health phone numbers:

  • Kaiser Tacoma South Medical Center
    9505 S. Steele St.
    253.597.6800

  • Kaiser Tacoma Medical Center
    209 MLK Jr Way
    253.596.3300

  • Kaiser Consulting Nurse
    800.297.6877

  • Kaiser Customer Service
    888.901.4636