Apple Health Expansion

What is Apple Health Expansion?

Apple Health Expansion is a full-scope health care coverage program for people age 19 or older with certain immigration statuses, including those without one. Clients who do not qualify for other Apple Health programs based on their immigration status may be eligible for Apple Health Expansion. Apple Health Expansion benefits and services are similar to regular Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage.

Enrollment is limited and the enrollment cap has been met. View the enrollment cap announcement for updates.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for Apple Health coverage if you:

• 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 (QHP) with advance premium tax credits (APTC) or federally funded medical assistance programs

*The income standards listed in these examples are subject to change annually every April.

Members of a multi-person household, including pregnant people and children up to age 19, may be eligible for other Apple Health programs. View eligibility and income charts for other Apple Health programs.

Applying for coverage

What happens if I apply for coverage now that the enrollment limit is 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.

How do I apply or renew coverage?

If you are age 19 to 64 years old:

• Online: Go to Washington Healthplanfinder™. Select the "Apply Now" button.
• Phone: Call the Washington Healthplanfinder™ Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633.
• Paper: Submit an Application for health care coverage (18-001P).

If you are age 65 or older:

• Online: Go to Washington Connection. Select "Apply Now."
• Paper: Submit an Application for aged, blind, disabled/long-term care coverage (HCA 18-005).
• Phone: Request an application by calling 1-877-501-2233.
• In-person: Visit your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) office.
  • Local enrollment assistance.

What documents do I need to apply?

• Proof of identity in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or other official documentation.
• Immigration documentation that shows your status (visa, passport, etc.). No immigration documentation is needed if you are undocumented.
• The income you make before taxes. If you work, this could be wage stubs, pay receipts, or other ways that show how much money you make.

How do I get help in person?

• Schedule an appointment with a navigator to get help near you.
  • Navigators can help walk you through the application process, upload documents, and answer questions along the way.

If you’re accepted, you'll receive a ProviderOne services card in about two weeks. Coverage will begin on the first day of the month in which the application was submitted.

Apple Health Expansion clients can get preventive, primary, specialty, and other health services. You must see providers who accept Apple Health fee-for-service.

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 Expansion preferred drug list
• Interpreter Services
  • Contact your provider for help accessing interpreter services.

View a full list of services covered by Apple Health.

Pregnant individuals

If you apply for Apple Health Expansion and indicate you are pregnant, you will be moved to Apple Health for pregnant individuals. After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC) covers individuals for 12 months after the end of a pregnancy.

Available managed care plans

You can choose any one of the four available plans that serve your area when you enroll in Apple Health Expansion. Not all plans are available in all areas.

View the health plans available in your area:

• Apple Health Expansion (managed care) service area map

How do I contact my health plan?

Contact your plan to:

• Find a new doctor or see if the doctor you want to see is in your Apple Health plan.
• File a complaint because you're not happy with the service you were provided by your doctor or the health plan.
• Replace your Apple Health plan benefits card.
• Find out more information about your Apple Health Expansion plan.

Available health care coverage for immigrants

Other Apple Health coverage

You or someone in your household may 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 (QHP) and Cascade Care Savings options for immigrants

All Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, may shop for and purchase qualified health and dental plans. Learn more about immigrant health care and other cost saving options.

People with income over 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may apply for a QHP and qualified dental plans during a special enrollment period outside of open enrollment. Life events can include job loss, birth, adoption, marriage and more. To apply during special enrollment, visit Washington Healthplanfinder™ or call Washington Healthplanfinder™ Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633.

Privacy

Apple Health client data

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, 2025, 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.

On December 29, 2025, a federal court ruled that CMS could provide DHS data on individuals who are not lawfully present. In order for CMS to provide client data to DHS, DHS must provide CMS a list of individuals they believe to be not lawfully present.

The federal court decision limits CMS data sharing to name, citizenship and immigration status, address, phone number, and Medicaid ID number with DHS. CMS cannot release medical records or information about individuals that are lawfully present.

This is an active lawsuit, and HCA will continue to update this webpage and resources as updates become available.

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

HCA privacy and protection standards

The Health Care Authority (HCA) 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.

HCA does not share client information with any immigration agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies. Eligibility for Apple Health Expansion is exempt from the public charge test. View the announcement to learn more (en español). If you have questions or concerns about how an application for Apple Health Expansion may impact your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen, contact an immigration attorney.

Getting help in your language

Language assistance services are available to Apple Health clients free of charge and include direct services by bilingual employees, interpreter services, and translation of printed materials. To learn more, download our flyer on how to access language assistance. Also available in the following languages: