Supporting clients with changes to Apple Health
This page shares information for stakeholders to support Apple Health (Medicaid) clients preparing for and navigating upcoming changes to their health coverage.
On this page
H.R. 1 Impacts stakeholder webinar
Join us for the first H.R. 1 Impact stakeholder webinar.
Date: February 26
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar
Background
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.
The Health Care Authority’s (HCA) top priority is to implement new federal requirements in ways that minimize coverage loss 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).
Who may be impacted
In Washington, Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to nearly 2 million people, including children, adults, pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Most of the changes related to eligibility and renewals will impact adults ages 19–64 enrolled in Apple Health for Adults. Other provisions may affect specific populations or providers over time.
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.
| Change | Start date |
|---|---|
| Changes to eligibility for refugee, asylee, and other noncitizen adults. | October 1, 2026 |
| To remain eligible, people enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to work, train, or do community engagement 80 hours per month (with some exceptions). | January 1, 2027 |
| People enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of twelve months. | January 1, 2027 |
| Retroactive coverage will be shortened from three months to one month for Apple Health for Adults and shortened to two months for all other Apple Health programs. | January 1, 2027 |
| People enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will have to pay cost-sharing up to $35 for many services. This does not include primary care, behavioral health, emergency services, and services given in certain rural settings. | October 1, 2028 |
How you can help clients
Stakeholders play a critical role in helping clients stay covered and informed. You can support clients by:
- Encouraging them to keep contact information up to date in their Apple Health accounts.
- Staying informed on changes coming to Apple Health.
- Sharing clear, accurate information using HCA-approved resources and messaging.
- H.R. 1 online resources:
- Directing clients to resources when they need assistance with renewals, questions, or language access.
Learn more about the different types of help available:
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
- Manage your coverage online
Toolkits
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.