Supporting clients with changes to Apple Health

Apple Health Community Connectors

It can be confusing for clients to know if they are eligible for Apple Health and how to navigate changes. The Health Care Authority (HCA) is looking for volunteers and representatives across the state from community organizations, schools, food banks, churches, and individual community leaders to help Washingtonians get the information and resources they need to maintain their coverage.

Apple Health Community Connector forums are divided into two groups to ensure information is tailored to how you assist individuals in our communities.

• Navigators and HCA Volunteer Assisters
• Community members and stakeholders

Federal changes to Medicaid—known as H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act)—were passed by Congress and signed into law. These changes will affect Medicaid programs nationwide over several years.

HCA’s top priority is to implement new federal requirements in ways that minimize coverage loss of coverage and reduce client burden. Most eligibility-related changes will not happen right away. Based on federal timelines and available state options, major changes are expected to roll out gradually, pending guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Apple Health Community Connectors meeting forums

Join us for the monthly Community Connectors meetings to learn more about H.R. 1 and its impact on Apple Health.

Expanded changes and timing

Changes will happen slowly over several years. They will not happen all at once. We will share new information when we get it.

How you can help clients

Stakeholders play a critical role in helping clients stay covered and informed. You can support clients by:

• Attend Apple Health Community Connector forums
• Encourage clients to keep contact information up to date in their Apple Health accounts.
• Staying informed on changes coming to Apple Health.
  • Sign up for GovDelivery updates
  • Send us your questions

• Share clear, accurate information using HCA-approved resources and messaging.
  • H.R. 1 online resources:
    • Client webpage
    • Stakeholder webpage
• Direct clients to resources when they need assistance with renewals, questions, or language access.

Learn more about the different types of help available:

• Getting help with health care coverage
• Apple Health Enrollment Specialists

H.R. 1 Impacts webinar series

To learn more about H.R. 1 and its impact on Apple Health, join us for the following stakeholder webinars.

• Session 1 | View the webinar | Presentation slides | Session 1 webinar FAQ
• Session 2 | June 4 at 10 a.m.
• Session 3 | September 3 at 10 a.m.
• Session 4 | December 3 at 10 a.m.

Tools and resources

We will continue adding materials as they become available.

Materials

• Renew your way, stay covered today!
• Getting help with health care coverage
• Apple Health Enrollment Specialists
• Community-based training

Videos

• Welcome to Washington Apple Health video series
• Update your contact information
  • En español: Actualice su información de contacto de WA Apple Health (Medicaid)
• Manage your coverage online

Toolkits

• Apple Health outreach toolkit

Need language assistance?

Language assistance services are available free of charge, including direct services by bilingual employers, interpreter services, and translation of printed materials. Visit our language access webpage to learn how to access language assistance.