Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
Apple Health Expansion
Learn about the Health Care Authority's (HCA) plan for Apple Health Expansion.
Looking for resources to share with your potential clients?
Share the Apple Health Expansion client webpage with individuals interested in applying for or learning about Apple Health Expansion. This webpage has information on eligibility, covered services, and how to apply along with resources in 15 languages.
HCA statement regarding use of Apple Health client data - August 2025 update
HCA sends information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for people who are enrolled in Apple Health programs that get federal funding, including Apple Health Expansion. This is required by law. Apple Health clients may view the client frequently asked questions (FAQ) (available in 20 languages) to learn more about their privacy and how their information is shared. For the most up to date information regarding use of Apple Health client data, view the Apple Health data privacy document.
On August 13, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to block the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using Medicaid data obtained from Washington and 19 other plaintiff states for immigration enforcement purposes.
The preliminary injunction will remain in place either until after HHS and DHS complete a reasoned decision-making process that complies with the Administrative Procedure Act, or until litigation concludes.
We collect, use, and share the following information about you:
- Your personally identifying information, such as your name, address, and social security number.
- Information relating to your enrollment in Apple Health, such as what program you’re enrolled in, start and end dates of your coverage, your household size, and your income.
- Information relating to your health, such as services you have received, clinical notes, prescriptions, and what health care providers you have visited.
For the most up to date information regarding use of Apple Health client data, view the announcement.
On this page
Stay up to date on Apple Health Expansion.
What is Apple Health Expansion?
At the direction of the legislature, Health Care Authority (HCA) expanded health care coverage to more people. In 2022, the Legislature provided funding to HCA to explore what system and procedure changes would be needed to facilitate expansion. Learn more about Apple Health Expansion for adults with certain immigration statuses, including those without one, by viewing the client FAQ and provider FAQ.
Due to a limited budget, HCA needs to manage the number of people who can enroll into the program to ensure clients receive the highest value care possible. View the enrollment cap announcement to learn more.
Update to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and other people with qualifying immigration statuses
Due to a recent federal change, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other people with qualifying immigration statuses can now access increased federal savings through Washington Healthplanfinder as of November 1, 2024.
These individuals are no longer eligible for Apple Health Expansion because they now qualify for qualified health plan (QHP) with tax credits. Currently enrolled Apple Health Expansion clients who are affected by this change will not transition to a QHP unless they update their application or no longer qualify for other eligibility reasons.
This change does not affect other Apple Health (Medicaid) programs.
Read answers to frequently asked questions to learn more.
Who will be eligible?
Clients may be eligible if they:
- Are a Washington resident age 19 or older,
- Have countable income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level,
- Do not qualify for other Apple Health programs based on immigration status,
- Immigrants who have not met the five-year waiting period to become eligible for Apple Health are not eligible for Apple Health Expansion.
- Are not pregnant or did not have a pregnancy end in the last 12 months, and
- Are not eligible for qualified health plans with advance premium tax credits (APTC), federally funded medical assistance programs.
What is the most a client can make per month to qualify?
| Program | Single person |
2-person household |
3-person household |
4-person household |
5-person household |
6-person household |
7-person household |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Apple Health Expansion for Adults |
$1,800 |
$2,433 |
$3,065 |
$3,697 |
$4,330 |
$4,962 |
$5,595 |
*The income standards listed in these examples are subject to change annually every April.
View eligibility and income charts for other Apple Health programs.
What happens if someone applies for coverage now that the enrollment limit is met?
If someone has not applied, they can still complete their application for Apple Health Expansion to be considered if space opens in the program. Sign up for email notifications and stay up to date. Individuals will receive an eligibility notice if they are selected for enrollment through their preferred communication method (email or mail).
Apple Health Expansion enrollment update
You can apply for Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage year-round.
Apple Health Expansion is one of the few Apple Health programs with limited enrollment.
The enrollment limit for Apple Health Expansion has been met. If you have not applied, you can still complete your application for Apple Health Expansion to be considered if space opens in the program.
If you applied for coverage and were denied because the cap was met, there are no additional steps you need to take. There is still a possibility you may be randomly selected to enroll if space opens in the program. You will receive an eligibility notice if you are selected for enrollment.
View the enrollment announcement for regular updates. Send questions about what this means for you and your family, and what to expect over the coming months to the Apple Health Expansion inbox.
What services are covered?
Apple Health Expansion will cover the following services:
- Physical and behavioral health services
- Dental services
- Vision hardware (for clients under 21 years of age)
- Transportation to Apple Health covered appointments
- Pharmacy (Over the counter and prescription drugs on the Apple Health preferred drug list)
- Interpreter Services
- Contact your health plan for help accessing interpreter services.
- Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW): 1-800-440-1561 (TRS: 711)
- Coordinated Care (CC): 1-877-644-4613 (TRS: 711)
- Molina Healthcare of Washington (MHW): 1-800-869-7165 (TRS: 711)
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHC): 1-877-542-8997 (TRS: 711)
- Contact your health plan for help accessing interpreter services.
View a full list of services covered by Apple Health.
What other health care coverage is available for immigrants?
Other Apple Health coverage
If you need to go to the doctor now, you can check to see if you qualify for:
- Apple Health for Kids
- Apple Health for pregnant individuals
- Alien Emergency Medical (AEM)
- Medical Care Services (MCS)
- Family Planning Only
Qualified Health Plans and Cascade Care Savings options for immigrants
All Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, now have the opportunity to shop for and purchase qualified health and dental plans. Learn more about immigrant health care and other cost saving options.
- Qualified Health Plan with tax credits
-
Open enrollment is November 1, 2024 - January 15, 2025. Enroll by December 15 for coverage to begin by January 1, 2025, or January 15 for coverage to begin February 1, 2025. Health plans that meet quality, cost, and access standards under the Affordable Care Act. All plans available on Washington Healthplanfinder meet these standards.
- Cascade Care Savings
-
Due to federal restrictions, people without lawful presence will not be eligible for federal subsidies, but may be eligible for Cascade Care Savings, a state-funded subsidy available to all individuals and families in Washington who make 250% of the federal poverty level or less — $33,975 per year for a one-person household and $57,575 for a three-person household.
- Special enrollment period
-
Some life events let you sign up for a health plan outside of open enrollment. This is called a special enrollment period. Life events can include job loss, birth, adoption, marriage and more.
Outreach
HCA is coordinating outreach with stakeholders, community organizations, Health Benefit Exchange (the Exchange), and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Community education and outreach campaigns will provide linguistically appropriate support to facilitate enrollment for Apple Health Expansion.
View community feedback on Apple Health Expansion short-term enrollment options
On August 26, 2024, HCA hosted a community feedback meeting to gather input on the short-term enrollment management policy for Apple Health Expansion.
- View frequently asked questions (available in 9 languages).
- View a summary of community feedback (available in 9 languages)
Read the enrollment announcement to stay informed about Apple Health Expansion enrollment updates.
Temporary Community Engagement Advisory Committee
The Temporary Community Engagement Advisory Committee is a collaboration between HCA, the Exchange, and DSHS that will help guide future work around the expansion of health care coverage for undocumented individuals.
- Participating organizations and individuals with lived experience
-
- Pacific Islander Health Alliance NW (PIHA-NW)
- Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center
- Here We Go!
- Pierce County Project Access
- Pan African Community Services
- Latinos En Spokane
- Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington
- Northwest Health Law Advocates
- Latino Community Fund (LCF)
- Unidos Nueva Alianza Foundation
- Empower Next Generations
- King County Promotores Network (KCPN)
- Human Rights Protection and Global Peace
- The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
- Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington
- Center for MultiCultural Health
Webinars
- Past webinars
-
Date Time Webinar topic Details Wednesday, November 29, 2023 4-5 p.m. Overview of Apple Health Expansion eligibility, covered services, and other available programs.
Presentation slides
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseFAQ
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseFriday, February 2, 2024 2-3 p.m. Information for community-based organizations to learn about qualified health plan transitions, applying through Washington Healthplanfinder, and application and enrollment details. Presentation slides
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseFAQ
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseMonday, April 29, 2024 3-4 p.m. Overview of Apple Health Expansion eligibility requirements and enrollment details (part 1). Presentation slides
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseThursday, May 23, 2024 3-4 p.m. Overview of Apple Health Expansion eligibility requirements and enrollment details (part 2). Presentation slides
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseTuesday, June 25, 2024 11 a.m. to noon Information for providers and community partners to learn about Apple Health Expansion including eligibility details, covered services, and interpreter services. Monday, August 26, 2024 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Community feedback meeting to gather input on the short-term enrollment management policy for Apple Health Expansion. Presentation slides
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseFAQ
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | VietnameseSummary of feedback
Amharic | Arabic | Cambodian | Chinese | Russian | Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
Toolkits
These toolkits are designed for community-based organizations, navigators, and other partners who assist uninsured populations to help spread the word about how to access and understand their services covered under Apple Health Expansion. You can reuse content shared in these toolkits or use it to guide your own.
Communications toolkit
This toolkit provides an overview of key messages, letter examples, and client resources. View the Apple Health Expansion communications toolkit.
Social media toolkit
This toolkit lays out social media messaging to help clients prepare to apply for Apple Health Expansion. View the Apple Health Expansion social media toolkit and download the images from the social media toolkit (translations available in 15 languages).
Need more information?
Privacy information
Apple Health Expansion will use existing Apple Health program data privacy and protection standards to ensure clients’ identity and information remain confidential. View HCA's notice of privacy practices for more information.
Does applying for health coverage affect someone's immigration status?
Under current law, getting health insurance in Washington State does not affect immigration status or citizenship. DSHS, the Exchange, and HCA are committed to providing pathways to health coverage for all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status. In response to concerns from affected communities; HCA and the Exchange issued a letter to community partners highlighting the following:
- Options for immigrant health coverage including DACA recipients, available through Washington Healthplanfinder.
- Sharing our continued responsibility and commitment to protect and keep immigrant applicant information confidential.
- Ensuring that free, confidential help is available from trained, local assisters in over 200 languages available through the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633.
Read the community partner letter developed in partnership between DSHS, the Exchange, and HCA to learn more. We encourage community-based organizations and immigrant health advocates to share this letter with their networks.
Contact
Email: HCA Apple Health Expansion