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 due to the federal government shutdown. In addition, health care providers will continue to be paid for the services they provide. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates if anything changes.
Find state and local resources that are available in Washington for older adults (55+), their caregivers, and families. You may need to meet eligibility requirements for some services.
You are not alone. Local services for older adults are available across Washington.
Many services for older adults are available through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), the Health Care Authority (HCA), or other local resources.
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) offers free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to eligible Washington residents.
See if you are eligible:
HWD provides health care coverage for individuals with blindness or a disability who are working. There is no resource or income limit.
If you have both Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage, you may be eligible for Apple Health Medicare Connect is a special kind of Medicare Advantage plan for dual-eligible individuals that assists with care coordination between both coverages.
Learn more and see if you are eligible for Apple Health Medicare Connect.
Dementia is not a typical part of aging, but the risk of dementia does increase with age. Dementia is not a disease itself, but a set of symptoms caused by a variety of conditions that damage the brain. These changes result in decline of memory and thinking abilities that interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain disease and is the most common cause of dementia.
DAC is a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington state for the increasing number of people living with dementia. It focuses on seven areas including raising public awareness, early diagnosis, long-term services and supports, and supporting family caregivers. Explore DAC resources.
SDCP is a DSHS-administered program for people with dementia who can no longer live at home and need state-funding to help pay for long-term care services. Learn more and see if you are eligible for SDCP.
If you have a chronic condition, Health Home offers a set of free services including the support of a care coordinator to provide care management and coordination of care. Learn more and see if you are eligible for Health Home services.
HCLA helps you begin the process of finding long-term care services and supports. For an overview about eligibility, visit HCA’s Long-term care and hospice page.
HCLA's Services that help an adult remain at home webpage includes information on home care agencies, skilled nursing care, and community resources such as adult day centers, senior centers, and home delivered meals.
WA Cares Fund: A public long-term care insurance program that guarantees coverage for all Washington workers, regardless of preexisting conditions.
MAC and TSOA serve and support older adults and family caregivers by expanding care options and providing assistance to unpaid family caregivers. Learn more about what MAC and TSOA have to offer.
Get free help with your Medicare benefits by talking to a Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA). Find a SHIBA representative in your area.
For eligible individuals with limited income, the Medicaid Savings Programs helps you cover the cost of Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.
For additional information on health care-related disability services, see Health care.
Find help with:
HCLA's Caregiver resources and Community Living Connection's Support for Family Caregivers help you find programs that support caregivers as well as handbooks, free training, and self-care.