Residency

Revised date
Purpose statement

Most Apple Health programs are limited to Washington residents. This chapter explains how the agency determines who meets the residency requirement.

WAC 182-503-0520 Washington apple health -- Residency requirements -- Persons who are not residing in an institution.

WAC 182-503-0520 Washington apple health -- Residency requirements -- Persons who are not residing in an institution.

Effective August 29, 2014.

  1. A resident is a person (including an emancipated person under age eighteen and a married person under age eighteen who is capable of indicating intent) who currently lives in Washington and:
    1. Intends to reside here, including persons without a fixed address; or
    2. Entered the state looking for a job; or
    3. Entered the state with a job commitment.
  2. A person does not need to live in the state for a specific period of time prior to meeting the requirements in subsection (1) of this section before being considered a resident.
  3. A child under age eighteen who is not covered by subsection (1) of this section, is a resident if:
    1. The child lives in the state, with or without a fixed address, including with a custodial parent or caretaker; or
    2. The child's parent or caretaker is a resident as defined in subsection (1) of this section.
  4. A resident applying for or receiving health care coverage can temporarily be out of the state for more than one month without their health care coverage being denied or terminated, if the person:
    1. Intends to return to the state once the purpose of his or her absence has been accomplished and provides adequate information of this intent after a request by the agency or its designee; and
    2. Has not been determined eligible for medicaid or state-funded health care coverage in another state (other than coverage in another state for incidental or emergency health care).
  5. A person who enters Washington state only for health care is not a resident and is not eligible for any medical program. The only exception is for a person who moves from another state directly into an institution in Washington state. Residency rules for institutionalized persons are described in WAC 182-503-0525.
  6. A person of any age who receives a state supplemental payment (SSP) is considered a resident of the state that is making the payment.
  7. A person who receives federal payments for foster or adoption assistance is considered a resident of the state where the person physically resides even if:
    1. The person does not live in the state that is making the foster or adoption assistance payment; or
    2. The person does not live in the state where the adoption agreement was entered.
  8. In a dispute between states, the state of residence is the state in which the person is physically located.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-503-0525 Washington apple health -- Residency requirements for an institutionalized person.

WAC 182-503-0525 Washington apple health -- Residency requirements for an institutionalized person.

Effective August 29, 2014.

  1. An institutionalized person is a person who resides in an institution as defined in WAC 182-500-0050. The term "person" used in this section means an "institutionalized person" unless otherwise indicated. It does not include persons who receive services under a home and community-based waiver program. When a state is making a placement for a person in another state, the term institution also includes foster care homes, licensed as described in 45 C.F.R. 1355.20.
  2. The agency must determine whether a person is capable of indicating their intent to reside in Washington state when deciding whether that person is a resident of the state. The agency determines that persons who meet the following criteria are deemed incapable of indicating intent to reside in the state:
    1. The person is judged legally incompetent by a court of law;
    2. A physician, psychologist or licensed medical professional in the field of intellectual disabilities has determined that the person is incapable of indicating intent; or
    3. The person is incapable of declaring intent due to a documented medical condition.
  3. When a person is placed in an out-of-state institution by the agency, its designee or by a department of social and health services-contracted agency, the state arranging the placement is considered the person's state of residence, unless the person is capable of expressing intent and:
    1. Indicates a desire to change his or her state of residence; or
    2. Asks the current state of residence for help in relocating. This may include assistance in locating an institutional placement in the new state of residence.
  4. If another state has not authorized the placement in the institution, as described in subsection (3) of this section, the agency or its designee uses one of the following criteria to determine the state of residence for a person who is age twenty or younger:
    1. The state of residence is the state where the parent or legal guardian is a resident at the time of the placement in the institution. To determine a parent's or legal guardian's place of residence, follow rules described in WAC 182-503-0520 for a noninstitutionalized person.
    2. The state of residence is the state where the parent or legal guardian currently is a resident if the person resides in an institution in that state.
    3. If the parents of the person are separated and live in different states, the state of residence is that of the parent filing the application.
    4. If the parental rights are terminated and the person has a legal guardian, the state of residence is where the legal guardian is a resident.
    5. If the person has both a guardian of the estate and a guardian of the person, the state of residence is where the guardian of the person is a resident, unless the state has laws which delegate guardianship to a state official or agency for persons who are admitted to state institutions. In that case, the state of residence for the person is the state where the institution is located (unless another state has authorized the placement).
    6. If the person has been abandoned by the parents or legal guardian, and an application is filed on their behalf by another party, the state of residence is the state where the person is institutionalized. The term abandoned also includes situations where the parents or legal guardian are deceased.
  5. A person age twenty-one or older that is capable of indicating intent is considered a resident of the state where he or she is living and intends to reside.
  6. A person age twenty-one or older who became incapable of indicating intent at age twenty-one or older is considered a resident of the state where the person is physically residing, unless the person has been placed in the institution by another state.
  7. A person age twenty-one or older who became incapable of indicating intent before the age of twenty-one is considered a resident of the state where the parents or legal guardian were residents at the time of the placement in the institution.
  8. If a noninstitutionalized person moves directly from another state to an institution in Washington state, it is not necessary for the person to establish residency in Washington state prior to entering the facility. The person is considered a resident if he or she intends to reside in the state unless the placement was made by the other state.
  9. A person of any age who receives a state supplemental payment (SSP) is considered a resident of the state that is making the payment.
  10. In a dispute between states, the state of residence is the state in which the person is physically located. 

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

A resident is someone who currently lives in Washington state AND:

  1. Intends to continue living in Washington permanently or for an open-ended period of time; OR
  2. Entered the state looking for a job; OR
  3. Entered the state with a job commitment.

Residency depends on a person's intent or purpose in coming to Washington state at the time of application and renewal.

An individual is not considered a resident of Washington if they entered the state only for medical care. The only exception is for someone who is moving directly to a nursing facility in Washington.

Migrant/seasonal farmworkers working in Washington and maintaining a residence in another state are considered Washington state residents. The individual meets Washington's residency requirements because they currently live in Washington and entered the state looking for a job or with a job commitment.

The Residency flowchart provides more information about how to determine an individual's residency status.

Individuals who are temporarily in Washington

Individuals visiting Washington are not considered residents of Washington. Examples of those who are NOT residents include:

  1. An individual just moved to Washington without a job commitment, is not looking for work and does not intend to stay.
  2. An individual is attending a college in Washington state from out of state and intends to return home after completing school.
  3. An individual is a temporary visa holder. Generally, a temporary visa holder is not a Washington State resident, unless they:
    1. Intend to reside in Washington after the visa expires,
    2. Entered the state with a job commitment (most typical with business visas), or
    3. Entered the state looking for a job.

Business visa holders who enter the state with a job commitment meet residency requirements because the visa holder has a job commitment, even if the visa is temporary.

Tourist/visitor visa holders may meet residency requirements if they declare intent to continue residing in Washington after the visa expires. 

Residency of minors for Washington Apple Health

A minor (under age 18) is a resident of the state in which they are living (other than on a temporary basis) or the state in which the parent or caretaker is looking for or has a job. If a minor is living in Washington, the minor is considered a resident unless the parent/guardian or the minor declares that they plan to leave the state.

For a minor who is able to declare intent, such as minors aged 13 and older, the minor can attest to their residency.

For a minor unable to declare intent, the minor’s residency follows the minor’s parent or guardian’s residency status.

Temporarily out of state

An individual may be temporarily out of state. There is no specified period before the individual loses Washington State residency. However, they must demonstrate intent to continue to reside in Washington after their purpose for leaving the state is completed. 

Special exception for nursing facilities

Individuals may come to Washington solely for medical care in a nursing facility may be considered residents of Washington. They can even maintain a residence in another state if they hope to return. However, if a person is placed in a nursing facility by another state, they are considered a resident of the state that placed them.

Apple Health eligibility continues for a Washington resident who is absent temporarily and will return. For example, an individual who goes from Washington State to a border facility for rehabilitation for 4 to 6 weeks and will return to Washington is considered a resident.

Receipt of Medicaid coverage in another state

When an individual moves to Washington state, they may be determined eligible for Washington Medicaid before the Medicaid is closed in another state. The individual must contact the other state to report the move and close out-of-state Medicaid coverage.

Access to care outside of Washington for active recipients

Active recipients who are temporarily out of state who need care should contact their managed care plan or Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Customer Service Center (MACSC) at 1-800-562-3022.

Examples

Example - Migrant farm worker
A person lives in Arizona but comes to Washington State with his family for a 3-4 month crop season. They plan to return to Arizona when the season is over. Because they entered the state with a job commitment, they are residents.

Example - Temporarily out of state to care for relative
A person receiving Apple Health coverage must stay with her ill grandmother in another state. She expects to be gone for several months. She is still a resident of Washington.

Example - Temporarily out of state for job
A person leaves Washington to take a temporary job in another state. She is planning to return to live with her parents when the job ends, which may be in about 3 to 6 months. She will be renting an apartment in the other state. She is still a resident of Washington State because she plans to return to Washington after her temporary job ends.

Example - Apple Health coverage for SSI recipients who move to Washington
When an SSI recipient moves to Washington and continues to receive their state supplemental payment (SSP) benefit from the other state, the state paying the benefit is considered to be the person’s state of residence. However, if the other state refuses to provide medical services in Washington, then the person can be approved for Apple Health. The person needs to contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to change their address.

Example - Residency of child separate from residency of parents
Mom and dad are in the US on student visas, attending college. They have a teenage child who is in the country under her parents’ student visas. The child moves out of the parents' house and in with a friend and applies for Apple Health. The parents intend to return to their home country when they finish with school, but the child says that she is staying. Even though the parents do not intend to live in Washington, the child does intend to stay and is considered a resident.

Example - Applicant temporarily in Washington on student visa
Dad and mom are in the US on student visas, attending college, and have one US-born child, age 2. The parents apply for Apple Health. When asked, they declare they intend to return to their home country with their child when they finish school. Since the parents do not intend to live in Washington indefinitely, the parents and child are not considered residents.

Example - Applicant who entered Washington for medical care
A family came to Washington State from Montana for cancer treatment at a local children’s hospital and plans to return as soon as their child completes treatment. The family will be here for a minimum of six months and could possibly be longer depending on the progress the child makes from the treatment. Since the family entered the state for medical care and they plan to return home, they are not considered residents.

Example – Applicant visiting the US gives birth
A woman enters the US from overseas with a tourist visa. She gives birth to a child and both return home after a two-week stay. Neither the mother nor child are considered residents.

Worker responsibilities

A person’s residency may be questionable when other information does not match their attestation. For example, a person lists his address in another state, country, or housing at facilities for hospitalized patients. Determine whether they are residents by asking questions, such as:

  1. Temporary visa holders: what has changed in your circumstances to change your intent that you filed with your current visa?
    No verification is needed -- document the intent and determine if the intent is reasonable.
  2. Other questionable circumstances: Is the person keeping a home, property, or residence in the state/country that person left?
    1. If not, the person meets residency requirements with the declared intent.
    2. If yes, did the person enter Washington State with a job commitment or looking for a job? If yes, the person meets residency requirements.
    3. If the person is still maintaining his or her residence and the explanation is not reasonable, the person is not a Washington resident.

ACES procedures

For Classic Medicaid programs, see the Client Details screen in ACES 3G.

Apple Health for Adults

Revised date

WAC 182-505-0250 Washington apple health -- MAGI-based adult medical.

WAC 182-505-0250 Washington apple health -- MAGI-based adult medical.

Effective August 29, 2014.

  1. Effective on or after January 1, 2014, a person is eligible for Washington apple health (WAH) modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-based adult coverage when he or she meets the following requirements:
    1. Is age nineteen or older and under the age of sixty-five;
    2. Is not entitled to, or enrolled in, medicare benefits under Part A or B of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act;
    3. Is not otherwise eligible for and enrolled in mandatory coverage under one of the following programs:
      1. WAH SSI-related categorically needy (CN);
      2. WAH foster care program; or
      3. WAH adoption support program;
    4. Meets citizenship and immigration status requirements described in WAC 182-503-0535;
    5. Meets general eligibility requirements described in WAC 182-503-0505; and
    6. Has net countable income that is at or below one hundred thirty-three percent of the federal poverty level for a household of the applicable size.
  2. Parents or caretaker relatives of an eligible dependent child as described in WAC 182-503-0565 are first considered for WAH for families as described in WAC 182-505-0240. A person whose countable income exceeds the standard to qualify for family coverage is considered for coverage under this section.
  3. Persons who are eligible under this section are eligible for WAH alternative benefit plan as defined in WAC 182-500-0010 coverage. A person described in this section is not eligible for medically needy WAH.
  4. Other coverage options for adults not eligible under this section are described in WAC 182-508-0001.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. Adults who are over income for Apple Health for Families (N01) may be eligible for Apple Health for Adults (N05) as described in WAC 182-505-0250.
  2. Adults who are ineligible for Apple Health for Adults (N05) based on citizenship may be eligible for Alien Emergency Medical (N21/N25) as described in WAC 182-507-0110.
    1. Learn about Health Care Authority's plan for Apple Health Expansion.
  3. Individuals receiving or eligible for Medicare or who are age 65 or older, are not eligible for Apple Health for Adults (N05).
    1. Adults who are low income may qualify for Apple Health for Families and Caretakers even if they are 65+ or eligible for Medicare. See WAC 182-505-0240.
    2. Pregnant adults who are eligible for or receiving Medicare can get Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals. See WAC 182-505-0115.

Individuals may apply for MAGI Medicaid using the following options:

  • Online: Go to Washington Healthplanfinder - select the "Apply Now" button.
  • Mobile app: Download the WAPlanfinder app - select "sign in" or "create an account".
  • Phone: Call the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633.
  • Paper: Submit an Application for health care coverage (18-001P).
  • In-person: Local resources who, at no additional cost, can help you apply for health coverage.
  • Local enrollment assistance

For assistance in applying for Apple Health through the Washington Healthplanfinder contact a navigator or call Healthplanfinder Customer Support at 1-855-923-4633.

Apple Health for pregnant individuals

Revised date

WAC 182-505-0115 Washington apple health -- Eligibility for pregnancy and after-pregnancy coverage.

WAC 182-505-0115 Washington apple health -- Eligibility for pregnancy and after-pregnancy coverage.

Effective June 24, 2022.

  1. A pregnant person is eligible for Washington apple health pregnancy coverage if the person:
    1. Meets citizenship or immigration status under WAC 182-503-0535;
    2. Meets Social Security number requirements under WAC 182-503-0115;
    3. Meets Washington state residency requirements under WAC 182-503-0520 and 182-503-0525; and
    4. Has countable income at or below the limit described in:
      1. WAC 182-505-0100 to be eligible for categorically needy (CN) coverage; or
      2. WAC 182-505-0100 to be eligible for medically needy (MN) coverage. MN coverage begins when the pregnant person meets any required spenddown liability as described in WAC 182-519-0110.
  2. A noncitizen pregnant person who does not meet the requirements in subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section is eligible for apple health pregnancy coverage if they meet countable income standards for CN or MN coverage as described in subsection (1)(d) of this section.
  3. The assignment of medical support rights as described in WAC 182-503-0540 does not apply to pregnant people.
  4. A person who was eligible for and covered under any CN or MN scope of coverage apple health program on the last day of pregnancy remains continuously eligible for after-pregnancy coverage for 12 months, beginning the month after their pregnancy ends. This includes people who meet an MN spenddown liability with expenses incurred no later than the date the pregnancy ends.
  5. Pregnancy coverage has CN scope of care for all people except those enrolled through the MN program who have MN scope of care. A person's after-pregnancy coverage has the same scope of coverage as their pregnancy coverage.
  6. A person who does not meet the requirements in subsection (4) of this section may qualify for after-pregnancy coverage if they:
    1. Apply for and meet all requirements of the apple health pregnancy coverage program other than pregnancy; and
    2. Apply any time during their 12-month postpartum period to receive ongoing medical coverage until the end of the 12th month after their pregnancy ends.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. First Steps
    1. First Steps is the commonly used term for Maternity Support Services. It is a package of services for pregnant individuals who receive Apple Health. Sometimes the pregnant individual’s health care coverage is also referred to as First Steps. First Steps referrals are completed behind the scenes through the following process:
      1. Pregnant individuals enrolled in a managed care plan are informed of the First Steps program through their Managed Care Organization (MCO). The MCO sends the HCA First Steps program manager at HCA a list of all the newly identified pregnant individuals.
      2. Pregnant individuals who are not enrolled in a managed care plan are identified through ProviderOne.
      3. The First Steps program manager sends the lists from i and ii to the First Steps providers.
  2. Household size:
    1. Consider the unborn child(ren) when determining the household size. Add one person for each unborn child. This applies to all Apple Health programs.
  3. Income:
    1. Pregnant individuals with income over the MAGI standard of 210% FPL can choose between purchasing health care coverage through a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) or enroll in the medically needy program (MN).
  4. Resources:
    1. There is no resource standard for MN (P99).
  5. Continuous Eligibility:
    1. Apple Health pregnancy coverage has continuous eligibility. Changes in income do not affect Apple Health coverage for pregnant individuals during the certification period.
    2. Changes in income are considered prior to the spenddown being met for MN (P99) coverage.
  6. Pregnancy Verification:
    1. Accept self-attestation for pregnancy and estimated due date (EDD)
  7. Applicants who apply after the pregnancy ends:
    1. As of June 2022, individuals who were not on an Apple Health program may now apply for postpartum coverage named After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC) if they had a pregnancy end within the last 12 months.
    2. The individual may be eligible for APC up to twelve months even if they are determined eligible retroactively to cover the pregnancy after the pregnancy ends.
  8. Case Pending Spenddown:
    1. When a pregnant individual applies for medical before the pregnancy ends but does not meet spenddown until the day the pregnancy ends, the individual is considered eligible for Apple Health coverage at the time the pregnancy ends. Therefore, the individual is eligible for After-Pregnancy Coverage.
  9. Medicare Eligible Pregnant Individuals:

Individuals who are receiving or eligible for Medicare and become pregnant may be eligible for Apple Health if their income is below the standard of 210% FPL.

Worker responsibilities

  1. MN (P99) VERSUS QHP – PROCESSED BY MEDS STAFF
    Pregnant individuals are identified through a barcode report run by MEDS staff.
    1. Send a letter through Healthplanfinder (HPF) offering medically needy (MN) coverage by meeting a spenddown. Included in this letter is the denial text if no response is received.
    2. If the pregnant individual responds via phone call:
      1. Ask if they incur childcare costs; pay out child support; and if retroactive coverage is needed;
      2. Process P99 in ACES.
    3. If the pregnant individual responds via mail:
      1. Process P99 in ACES.
  2. End of the pregnancy:
    1. For MAGI, click on the report a change link in the Healthplanfinder and update the pregnancy end date to the date the pregnancy ended.
    2. For P99, if the pregnancy ends before the expected due date through birth, miscarriage, or termination, correct the estimated date of delivery on the DEM1 Screen in ACES to ensure a timely program change to After-Pregnancy Coverage.
      1. Adjust the review date to ensure the individual gets additional CN coverage if the pregnancy ends in a month later than the expected due date.
  3. Newborn Medical Coverage:

Note: It is important to add the newborn to Apple Health for Newborns (N10) as soon as possible after birth, so the baby has its own client identification number. This can avoid coverage problems for the baby.

  • If the birthing parent is on Apple Health (Medicaid) without a managed care plan (also known as fee-for-service) at the time of the baby's birth, the newborn will also be on fee-for-service under the birthing parent's client ID through the month of the newborn's 60th day of life.
  • Managed care organizations (MCOs) will only cover a newborn on the birthing parent’s client ID up to a maximum of 21 days after the birth of the baby. After that, a newborn must have their own client identification number, or the only medical coverage the newborn receives is fee-for-service, up through the month that includes the baby’s 60th day of life, or until the newborn is assigned their own client ID number, whichever is earlier.
  • Once the newborn has been issued their own client ID number, the newborn cannot use the birthing parent's client ID. Individuals who have questions regarding their eligibility for MAGI-based medical assistance should call the Medical Eligibility Determination Service at the Health Care Authority at 855-562-3022. Individuals who have questions about applying online for MAGI-based medical assistance should call the Health Benefit Exchange at 855-923-4633.

WAC 182-505-0117 Washington apple health -- Eligibility for pregnant minors.

WAC 182-505-0117 Washington apple health -- Eligibility for pregnant minors.

Effective June 24, 2022.

  1. For the purposes of this rule, "minor" means a person under the age of 19.
  2. A pregnant minor who meets Washington state residency requirements under WAC 182-503-0520 and 182-503-0525 is eligible for the Washington apple health for kids program.
  3. The medical assistance unit (MAU) of a pregnant minor is the pregnant minor.
  4. There are no income standards and no resource tests for a pregnant minor to be eligible for apple health for kids.
  5. To ensure reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every pregnant minor applicant for apple health for kids must provide their Social Security number, unless they are exempt under WAC 182-503-0515, and must provide their citizenship or immigration status. The immigration status of a pregnant minor who is an undocumented alien (see WAC 182-503-0530) will not be disclosed to any third party.
  6. The assignment of rights as described in WAC 182-503-0540 does not apply to pregnant minors.
  7. A pregnant minor covered by the apple health for kids program has a one-year certification period. If a minor has their 19th birthday during their pregnancy, they are automatically enrolled in apple health for pregnancy coverage through the end of the month their pregnancy ends. They are eligible for after-pregnancy coverage for 12 months, beginning the first day of the month after their pregnancy ends.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

A pregnant teen in the Washington Apple Health for Pregnant Teens program will receive full scope health care coverage under Apple Health for Kids, with retroactive coverage to the estimated beginning of the pregnancy and with a certification period as follows:

  • If they remain under age 19 over the course of their pregnancy, they will be given a 1 year certification period.
  • If they turn 19 before the end of their pregnancy, their coverage will continue through the end of their pregnancy and they will be eligible for After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC) through the end of the twelfth month after the end of their pregnancy.

Any pregnant teen will be eligible for WAH for Pregnant Teens as long as they are:

  1. Under age 19; and
  2. Meets residency requirements under WAC 182-503-0520.

The pregnant teen will be treated as their own assistance unit, with no income or resource limits. As a result, pregnant teens in this program will not need to provide their parents’ income or asset information.

To apply, complete the paper application "Application for Pregnant Teen Health Care Coverage" (Form HCA 14-430) or submit by mail or fax to:

Medical Eligibility Determination Services (MEDS)
P.O. Box 45531
Olympia, WA 98504-5531

Fax: 360-725-1898

WAC 182-505-0120 Washington apple health breast and cervical cancer treatment program for women--Client eligibility.

WAC 182-505-0120 Washington apple health breast and cervical cancer treatment program for women--Client eligibility.

Effective September 14, 2015

  1. Effective April 1, 2014, a woman is eligible for categorically needy (CN) coverage under the Washington apple health (WAH) breast and cervical cancer treatment program (BCCTP) only when she:
    1. Has been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the department of health's breast, cervical, and colon health program (BCCHP);
    2. Requires treatment for breast cancer, cervical cancer, or a related precancerous condition;
    3. Is under sixty-five years of age;
    4. Is not eligible for other WAH-CN coverage, including coverage under the MAGI-based adult group;
    5. Is uninsured or does not otherwise have creditable coverage;
    6. Meets residency requirements under WAC 182-503-0520;
    7. Meets Social Security number requirements under WAC 182-503-0515;
    8. Is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, qualifying American Indian born abroad, or qualified alien under WAC 182-503-0535; and
    9. Meets the income standard set by the BCCHP in DOH form 342-031.
  2. The certification period for breast and cervical cancer treatment covered under this section is twelve months, as provided in WAC 182-504-0015. To remain continuously enrolled, the client must renew her eligibility before the certification period ends. Eligibility for BCCTP coverage under subsection (1)(b) of this section continues throughout the course of treatment as certified by the BCCHP. Retroactive coverage may be available under WAC 182-504-0005.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. The Department of Health (DOH) administers and determines eligibility for the CDC-BCCEDP program for the State of Washington through their Breast and Cervical Health Program. Although men may be diagnosed with breast cancer, the federal requirements of this program limit medical coverage for individuals whose sex assigned at birth is female.
  2. This program provides breast and cervical cancer screening services for low-income individuals. In addition, CDC directly contracts with certain tribal entities for this screening service.
  3. Access to this program is only available through the above channels. When an individual meets the eligibility criteria, prime contractors (via CDC-BCCEDP facilities) fax the DOH 345-214 consent form/application to Medical Eligibility Determination Services (MEDS) eligibility staff to screen, process, and maintain the S30 program in ACES.
  4. Individuals not eligible for BCCTP due to citizenship or immigration status requirements (described in WAC 182-505-0120(1), are eligible for medical coverage under the Alien Emergency Medical Program rules. Individuals related to the BCCTP Medicaid program who require cancer treatment meet AEM condition criteria.

Worker responsibilities

When contacted about this program, refer all inquiries to the nearest local DOH/Breast and Cervical Health provider for individuals requesting screening services for breast and cervical cancer and/or has not yet been diagnosed. The Department of Health website provides a list of screening clinics. At their website, click the appropriate county.

  1. If an application/review is received in the local CSO indicating breast cancer; screen S02, determine eligibility for the SSI-related program and refer the individual to the local BCCTP provider.
  2. Send an email to AskMAGI@hca.wa.gov when a woman is active on BCCTP (S30), applies, and is determined eligible for another CN medical program in order to terminate BCCTP (S30) coverage.
  3. If an individual applies in the local CSO and is found eligible for ABD cash assistance, they continue to be eligible for CN coverage, however, not under the BCCTP program. Send an email to AskMAGI@hca.wa.gov to notify MEDS to terminate coverage under the BCCTP program. At incapacity review, determine whether the individual is still receiving the prescribed course of treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

Apple Health for Kids, with and without premiums

Revised date

WAC 182-505-0210 Eligibility for children.

WAC 182-505-0210 Eligibility for children.

Effective June 9, 2025

  1. General eligibility. For purposes of this section, a child must:
    1. Be a Washington state resident under WAC 182-503-0520 and 182-503-0525;
    2. Provide a Social Security number under WAC 182-503-0515, unless exempt; and
    3. Meet program-specific requirements.
  2. Deemed eligibility groups. A child is automatically eligible for coverage without an application if the child meets the program-specific requirements in (a) through (c) of this subsection.
    1. Newborn coverage. A child younger than age one is eligible for categorically needy (CN) coverage if the birth parent was eligible for Washington apple health on the date of delivery:
      1. Including a retroactive eligibility determination; or
      2. By meeting a medically needy (MN) spenddown liability with expenses incurred by the date of the newborn's birth:
    2. Washington apple health for supplemental security income (SSI) recipients. A child who is eligible for SSI is automatically eligible for CN coverage under WAC 182-510-0001.
    3. Foster care coverage. A child age 20 and younger is eligible for CN coverage under WAC 182-505-0211 when the child is in foster care or receives subsidized adoption services. For children who age out of the foster care program, see WAC 182-505-0211(3).
  3. Continuous eligibility for children under age six. A child is eligible for Washington apple health continuous eligibility for children under age six when they:
    1. Have household income at or below 210 percent of the federal poverty level at the time of application; or
    2. On or after January 8, 2025, have household income greater than 210 percent but equal to or less than 312 percent of the federal poverty level at the time of application; or
    3. Received coverage under subsection (5) of this section and are no longer eligible for deemed coverage under subsection (5) (b) or (c) of this section.
  4. MAGI-based eligibility groups. A child age 18 or younger is eligible for CN coverage based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI):
    1. At no cost when the child's countable income does not exceed the standard in WAC 182-505-0100 (6)(a);
    2. With payment of a premium when the child's countable income does not exceed the standard in WAC 182-505-0100 (6)(b), and the child meets additional eligibility criteria in WAC 182-505-0215;
    3. Under chapter 182-514 WAC, if the child needs long-term care services because the child resides or is expected to reside in an institution, as defined in WAC 182-500-0050, for 30 days or longer. An institutionalized child is eligible for coverage under the medically needy (MN) program if income exceeds the CN income standard for a person in an institution (special income level);
    4. Under WAC 182-505-0117, if a child is pregnant;
    5. When the child has household income at or below 215 percent of the federal poverty level at the time of application and is eligible for Washington apple health continuous eligibility for children under age six.
  5. Non-MAGI-based children's programs. The agency determines eligibility for the:
    1. MN program according to WAC 182-519-0100. A child age 18 or younger is eligible if the child:
      1. Is not eligible for MAGI-based coverage under subsection (3) of this section;
      2. Meets citizenship or immigration requirements under WAC 182-503-0535 (2)(a), (b), (c), or (d); and
      3. Meets any spenddown liability required under WAC 182-519-0110.
    2. SSI-related program. A child age 18 or younger is eligible for CN or MN SSI-related coverage if the child meets:
      1. SSI-related eligibility under chapter 182-512 WAC;
      2. Citizenship or immigration requirements under WAC 182-503-0535 (2)(a), (b), (c), or (d); and
      3. Any MN spenddown liability under WAC 182-519-0110.
    3. SSI-related long-term care program.
      1. A child age 18 or younger is eligible for home and community based (HCB) waiver programs under chapter 182-515 WAC if the child meets:
        1. SSI-related eligibility under chapter 182-512 WAC;
        2. Citizenship or immigration requirements under WAC 182-503-0535 (2)(a), (b), (c), or (d); and
        3. Program-specific age and functional requirements under chapters 388-106 and 388-845 WAC.
      2. A child age 18 or younger who resides or is expected to reside in a medical institution as defined in WAC 182-500-0050 is eligible for institutional medical under chapter 182-513 WAC if the child meets:
        1. Citizenship or immigration requirements under WAC 182-503-0535 (2)(a), (b), (c), or (d);
        2. Blindness or disability criteria under WAC 182-512-0050; and
        3. Nursing facility level of care under chapter 388-106 WAC.
  6. Alien emergency medical program. A child age 20 or younger who does not meet the eligibility requirements for a program described under subsections (2) through (5) of this section is eligible for the alien emergency medical (AEM) program if the child meets:
    1. The eligibility requirements of WAC 182-507-0110; and
    2. MN spenddown liability, if any, under WAC 182-519-0110.
  7. Other provisions.
    1. A child residing in an institution for mental disease (IMD) as defined in WAC 182-500-0050 is not eligible for inpatient hospital services, unless the child is unconditionally discharged from the IMD before receiving the services.
    2. A child incarcerated in a public institution as defined in WAC 182-500-0050 is only eligible for inpatient hospital services.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-505-0215 Children's Washington apple health with premiums.

WAC 182-505-0215 Children's Washington apple health with premiums.

Effective January 23, 2021.

  1. A child is eligible for Washington apple health with premiums if the child:
    1. Meets the requirements in WAC 182-505-0210(1);
    2. Has countable income below the standard in WAC 182-505-0100 (6)(b); and
    3. Pays the required premium under WAC 182-505-0225, unless the child is exempt under WAC 182-505-0225 (2)(c).
  2. A child is not eligible for Washington apple health with premiums if the child:
    1. Is eligible for no-cost Washington apple health;
    2. Has creditable health insurance coverage as defined in WAC 182-500-0020.
  3. A child with creditable health insurance coverage may be eligible for Washington apple health with premiums if the child is eligible for either:
    1. Public employees benefits board (PEBB) health insurance coverage based on a family member's employment with a Washington state agency, or a Washington state university, community college, or technical college; or
    2. School employees benefits board (SEBB) health insurance coverage based on a family member's employment with a Washington school district, charter school, or educational service district; and
    3. Meets the requirements in WAC 182-505-0210 (1).

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

Eligibility for medical assistance is now "delinked" from receipt of cash assistance. Assistance unit rules for MAGI-based eligibility for children is described in WAC 182-506-0010. Assistance unit rules for Non-MAGI eligibility programs are found in chapter WAC 182-506-0015.

  1. For children who are not eligible for MAGI-based coverage under this section, refer to the following categories:
    1. SSI-related Medical for children who may meet SSI disability criteria services and are ineligible for any other medical program;
    2. Pregnancy for medical programs for pregnant individuals;
    3. Emergency Assistance: Alien Emergency Medical Program for an alien child who is related to a Medicaid program, including the aged, blind, and disabled;
    4. Long Term Care for children requiring nursing facility or home and community-based services;
    5. Medical Extensions for a family who has an increase in earned income, spousal support, or child support;
    6. Spenddown for a child, pregnant individuals, or an SSI-related child whose income exceeds program standards. They may be eligible to receive Medically Needy (MN) coverage.

Children found eligible for a categorically needy scope of care medical program are continuously eligible for Categorically Needy (CN) medical for 12 months regardless of changes; except for aging out of the program, moving out of state, incarceration, or death. (See WAC 182-504-0125.) The scope of coverage is identical for these programs regardless of the source of funding.

Apple Health for Kids

  1. Newborn Medical (N10): See WAC 182-505-0210 (2). Newborns are automatically entitled to receive this CN Medicaid program through the end of month of their first birthday as long as:
    1. Their birthparent was eligible for medical (Apple Health or CHIP) on the day of delivery, including any retroactive eligibility determination.
    2. For MN spenddown pending on the day of delivery, spenddown was met with the labor and delivery expenses, and
    3. The newborn is a Washington State resident.

      It is important that a ProviderOne ID be obtained as soon as possible after the day of delivery to ensure there are no interruptions in coverage.

      Until the baby has their own ProviderOne ID:

      • Birthparent is on fee-for-service: The newborn is covered under the birthparent's ProviderOne ID through the month that includes the baby's 60th day of life or until they are assigned their own ProviderOne ID.
      • Birthparent is on managed care: The newborn is covered under the birthparent's ProviderOne ID through the month in which the 21st day of life occurs.
      • If the newborn's eligibility begins in a month other than the month of birth, the eligibility worker may need to use the retro medical process to approve missing months of eligibility.
  2. Apple Health for Kids CN coverage (N11/N31): See WAC 182-505-0210 (3). These children receive federal or state-funded CN Medicaid. Federally-funded children are enrolled in a managed care plan while state funded children remain fee-for-service.
  3. Apple Health for Kids with Premiums CN Coverage (N13/N33): See WAC 182-505-0210 (4). These children receive federal or state funded CN medical, but are required to pay a premium see WAC 182-505-0225. Federally-funded children are enrolled in managed care, while state-funded children remain fee-for-service.
  4. Apple Health for Kids (MN) Medically Needy coverage (F99, S99, K99): See WAC 182-505-0210 (4). These children receive slightly less coverage than CN Medicaid and do not enroll in managed care. They must meet a spenddown before any services are paid. See Spenddown for more information.
  5. Children's Institutional coverage (K01, K95, K99): See WAC 182-505-0210(3) WAC 182-514-0230 through WAC 182-514-0265: These children are approved for medical assistance based on institutional rules once they reside or are expected to reside in an institution for 30 days or longer.
  6. Children's Alien Medical Program (AMP) coverage (F99): See WAC 182-505-0210 (5): These alien children are eligible for MN coverage for emergency medical services only. Their coverage under F99 does not require an acute and emergent medical need to set up the spenddown.

Note: Nonqualified children under age 19 with family income under 312% FPL are related to and approved for the appropriate Apple Health for Kids program not AMP.

Apple Health for Kids with Premiums

  1. Apple Health for Kids with Premiums CN Coverage (N13/N33): See WAC 182-505-0210 (4). These children receive federal or state funded CN medical, but are required to pay a premium see WAC 182-505-0225. Federally-funded children are enrolled in managed care, while state-funded children remain fee-for-service.
  2. American Indian/Alaska Native children are exempt from the premium requirement.
  3. Children who have access to coverage through PEBB/SEBB plan are eligible for Apple Health for Kids with Premiums.
    Children are NOT eligible for Apple Health for Kids with Premiums coverage (N13/N33) if they have other credible health insurance coverage through a private plan such as employer sponsored insurance.

Age

  • Children age 0-6 who are eligible for an Apple Health for Kids program will receive continuous eligibility through their sixth birthday month regardless of changes in household income. This also applies to children enrolled in a MAGI-based Long-Term Care medical program (K01).
  • Children age 6-18 who are eligible for an Apple Health for Kids program will receive twelve months of continuous eligibility from the date of application or renewal.
  • When an individual is an Apple Health recipient in the month of their twenty-first birthday and they receive active inpatient psychiatric treatment which extends beyond their twenty-first birthday, they remain eligible for CN or MN coverage under the family institutional medical program (K01, K95) until the date they discharge from the facility or until their twenty-second birthday, whichever happens first.
  • When an individual applies in the same month they reach the age limit for the specific program, they can still be approved for the month of application even though they may have already had their birthday.

WAC 182-505-0225 Children's Washington apple health with premiums - Calculation and determination of premium amount.

WAC 182-505-0225 Children's Washington apple health with premiums - Calculation and determination of premium amount.

Effective October 25, 2024.

  1. For the purposes of this chapter, "premium" means an amount paid for health care coverage under WAC 182-505-0215.
  2. Premium requirement. The Washington apple health premium-based program under WAC 182-505-0215 requires payment of a monthly premium.
    1. The first monthly premium is due in the month following the determination of eligibility.
    2. There is no premium requirement for health care coverage received in the month eligibility is determined or in any prior month.
    3. A child who is American Indian or Alaska native is exempt from the monthly premium requirement.
  3. Monthly premium amount.
    1. The premium amount for the medical assistance unit (MAU) is based on countable income under chapter 182-509 WAC and the number of people in the MAU under chapter 182-506 WAC.
    2. The premium amount is as follows:
      1. If the MAU's countable income exceeds 210 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) but does not exceed 260 percent of the FPL, the monthly premium for each child is $20.
      2. If the MAU's countable income exceeds 260 percent of the FPL but does not exceed 312 percent of the FPL, the monthly premium for each child is $30.
      3. The medicaid agency charges a monthly premium for no more than two children per household.
      4. Payment of the full premium is required. Partial payments cannot be designated for a specific child or month.
      5. Any third party may pay the premium on behalf of the household. Failure of a third party to pay the premium does not eliminate the obligation of the household to pay past due premiums.
    3. A change that affects the premium amount takes effect the month after the change is reported.
  4. Nonpayment of premiums.
    1. The agency writes off past-due premiums after 12 months.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. Medical coverage for parenting adults of minor dependent children has been "delinked" from cash assistance. Parenting adults need to complete a separate application for medical coverage.
  2. Adults who are over income for Apple Health for Families (N01) may be eligible for Apple Health for Adults (N05) as described in WAC 182-505-0250.
  3. Adults who are ineligible for Apple Health for Families (N01) based on citizenship may be eligible for Alien Emergency Medical (N21) as described in WAC 182-507-0110.
  4. Parenting adults are eligible for Apple Health for Families (N01) even if they are eligible for Medicare and/or age 65 or older.

Individuals may apply for MAGI Medicaid using the following options:

If an individual wants help applying for MAGI Medicaid, he or she can work with a Navigator or call Healthplanfinder Customer Support at 1-855-923-4633.

Apple Health for the medically needy and spenddown overview

Revised date
Purpose statement

To explain the Medically Needy (MN) program and spenddown.

WAC 182-500-0070 defines the Medically Needy program as follows:

"Medically needy (MN) or medically needy program (MNP)" is the state- and federally funded health care program available to specific groups of persons who would be eligible as categorically needy (CN), except their monthly income is above the CN standard. Some long-term care individuals with income and/or resources above the CN standard may also qualify for MN.

WAC 182-519-0050 Monthly income and countable resource standards for medically needy (MN)

WAC 182-519-0050 Monthly income and countable resource standards for medically needy (MN).

Effective February 10, 2023

  1. Changes to the Medically Needy Income Level (MNIL) occur on January 1st of each calendar year when the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a cost-of-living adjustment.
  2. Medically Needy (MN) standards for people who meet institutional status requirements are in WAC 182-513-1395. The standard for a client who lives in an alternate living facility is in WAC 182-513-1205.
  3. The resource standards for institutional programs are in WAC 182-513-1350. The institutional standard chart is found at Long Term Care Standards.
  4. Countable resource standards for the noninstitutional MN program are:
    1. One person $2,000.
    2. A legally married couple $3,000.
    3. For each additional family member add $50.
  5. People who do not meet institutional status requirements use the "effective" MNIL income standard to determine eligibility for the MN program. The "effective" MNIL is the one-person federal benefit rate (FBR) established by SSA each year, or the MNIL listed in the chart below, whichever amount is higher. The FBR is the supplemental security income (SSI) payment standard. For example, in 2023 the FBR is $914.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
914 914 914 914 914 975 1125 1242 1358 1483

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-519-0100 Eligibility for the medically needy program

WAC 182-519-0100 Eligibility for the medically needy program

Effective January 27, 2019

  1. A person who meets the following conditions may be eligible for medically needy (MN) coverage under the special rules in chapters 182-513 and 182-515 WAC:
    1. Meets the institutional status requirements of WAC 182-513-1320;
    2. Resides in a medical institution as described in WAC 182-513-1395.
  2. A supplemental security income (SSI)-related person who lives in a medicaid agency-contracted alternate living facility may be eligible for MN coverage under WAC 182-513-1205.
  3. A person may be eligible for MN coverage under this chapter when he or she is:
    1. Not covered under subsection (1) and (2) of this section; and
    2. Eligible for categorically needy (CN) medical coverage in all other respects, except that his or her CN countable income is above the CN income standard.
  4. MN coverage may be available if the person is:
    1. A child;
    2. A pregnant woman;
    3. A refugee;
    4. An SSI-related person, including an aged, blind, or disabled person, with countable income under the CN income standard, who is an ineligible spouse of an SSI recipient; or
    5. A hospice client with countable income above the special income level (SIL).
  5. A person who is not eligible for CN medical who applies for MN coverage has the right to income deductions in addition to, or instead of, those used to calculate CN countable income. These deductions to income are applied to each month of the base period to calculate MN countable income:
    1. The agency disregards the difference between the medically needy income level (MNIL) described in WAC 182-519-0050 and the federal benefit rate (FBR) established by the Social Security Administration each year. The FBR is the one-person SSI payment standard;
    2. All health insurance premiums, except for medicare Part A through Part D premiums, expected to be paid by the person or family member during the base period or periods;
    3. Any allocations to a spouse or to dependents for an SSI-related person who is married or who has dependent children. Rules for allocating income are described in WAC 182-512-0900 through 182-512-0960;
    4. For an SSI-related person who is married and lives in the same home as his or her spouse who receives home and community-based waiver services under chapter 182-515 WAC, an income deduction equal to the MNIL, minus the nonapplying spouse's income; and
    5. A child or pregnant woman applying for MN coverage is eligible for income deductions allowed under temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) and state family assistance (SFA) rules and not under the rules for CN programs based on the federal poverty level. See WAC 182-509-0001(4) for exceptions to the TANF and SFA rules that apply to medical programs and not to the cash assistance program.
  6. The MNIL for a person who qualifies for MN coverage under subsection (1) of this section is based on rules in chapters 182-513 and 182-515 WAC.
  7. The MNIL for all other people is described in WAC 182-519-0050. If a person has countable income at or below the MNIL, the person is certified as eligible for up to 12 months of MN medical coverage.
  8. If a person has countable income over the MNIL, the countable income that exceeds the agency's MNIL standards is called "excess income."
  9. A person with "excess income" is not eligible for MN coverage until the person gives the agency or its designee evidence of medical expenses incurred by that person, their spouse, or family members living in the home for whom they are financially responsible. See WAC 182-519-0110(8). An expense is incurred when:
    1. The person receives medical treatment or medical supplies, is financially liable for the medical expense, and has not paid the bill; or
    2. The person pays for the expense within the current or retroactive base period under WAC 182-519-0110.
  10. Incurred medical expenses or obligations may be used to offset any portion of countable income that is over the MNIL. This is the process of meeting "spenddown."
  11. The agency or its designee calculates the amount of a person's spenddown by multiplying the monthly excess income amount by the number of months in the certification period under WAC 182-519-0110. The qualifying medical expenses must be greater than or equal to the total calculated spenddown amount.
  12. A person who is considered for MN coverage under this chapter may not spenddown excess resources to become eligible for the MN program. Under this chapter, a person is ineligible for MN coverage if the person's resources exceed the program standard in WAC 182-519-0050. A person who is considered for MN coverage under WAC 182-513-1395, 182-514-0250 or 182-514-0263 is allowed to spenddown excess resources.
  13. There is no automatic redetermination process for MN coverage. A person must apply for each eligibility period under the MN program.
  14. A person who requests a timely administrative hearing under WAC 182-518-0025 is not eligible for continued benefits beyond the end of the original certification date under the MN program.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-519-0110 Spenddown of excess income for the medically needy program

WAC 182-519-0110 Spenddown of excess income for the medically needy program

Effective January 27, 2019

  1. A person who applies for Washington apple health (WAH) and is eligible for medically needy (MN) coverage with a spenddown may choose a three-month or a six-month base period. A base period is a time period used to compute the spenddown liability amount. The months must be consecutive calendar months, unless a condition in subsection (4) of this section applies.
  2. A base period begins on the first day of the month a person applies for WAH, unless a condition in subsection (4) of this section applies.
  3. A person may request a separate base period to cover up to three calendar months immediately before the month of application. This is called a retroactive base period.
  4. A base period may vary from the terms in subsections (1), (2), or (3) of this section if:
    1. A three-month base period would overlap a previous eligibility period;
    2. The person has countable resources over the applicable standard for any part of the required base period;
    3. The person is not or will not be able to meet the temporary assistance to needy families (TANF)-related or supplemental security income (SSI)-related requirement for the required base period;
    4. The person is eligible for categorically needy (CN) coverage for part of the required base period; or
    5. The person was not otherwise eligible for MN coverage for each month of the retroactive base period.
  5. The medicaid agency or its designee calculates a person's spenddown liability. The MN countable income from each month of the base period is compared to the effective medically needy income level (MNIL) under WAC 182-519-0050. Income over the effective MNIL standard (based on the person's household size) in each month in the base period is added together to determine the total spenddown amount.
  6. If household income varies and a person's MN countable income falls below the effective MNIL for one or more months, the difference offsets the excess income in other months of the base period. See WAC 182-519-0100(7) if a spenddown amount results in zero dollars and cents.
  7. If a person's income decreases, the agency or its designee approves CN coverage for each month in the base period when the person's countable income and resources are equal to or below the applicable CN standards. Children age eighteen and younger and pregnant women who become CN eligible in any month of the base period are continuously eligible for CN coverage for the remainder of the certification, even if there is a subsequent increase in income.
  8. Once a person's spenddown amount is determined, qualifying medical expenses are deducted. A qualifying medical expense must:
    1. Be an expense for which the person is financially liable;
    2. Not have been used to meet another spenddown;
    3. Not be the confirmed responsibility of a third party. The agency or its designee allows the entire expense if a third party has not confirmed its coverage of the expense within:
      1. Forty-five days of the date of service; or
      2. Thirty days after the base period ends.
    4. Be an incurred expense for the person:
      1. The person's spouse;
      2. A family member residing in the person's home for whom the person is financially responsible; or
      3. A relative residing in the person's home who is financially responsible for the person.
    5. Meet one of the following conditions:
      1. Be an unpaid liability at the beginning of the base period;
      2. Be for paid or unpaid medical services incurred during the base period;
      3. Be for medical services incurred and paid during the three-month retroactive base period if eligibility for WAH was not established in that base period. Paid expenses that meet this requirement may be applied towards the current base period; or
      4. Be for medical services incurred during a previous base period, either unpaid or paid, if it was necessary for the person to make a payment due to delays in the certification for that base period.
  9. An exception to subsection (8) of this section exists for qualifying medical expenses paid on the person's behalf by a publicly administered program during the current or the retroactive base period. The agency or its designee uses the qualifying medical expenses to meet the spenddown liability. To qualify for this exception, the program must:
    1. Not be federally funded or make payments from federally matched funds;
    2. Not pay the expenses before the first day of the retroactive base period; and
    3. Provide proof of the expenses paid on the person's behalf.
  10. Once the agency or its designee determines the expenses are a qualified medical expense under subsection (8) or (9) of this section, the expenses are subtracted from the spenddown liability to determine the date the person's eligibility for medical coverage begins. Qualifying medical expenses are deducted in the following order:
    1. First, medicare and other health insurance deductibles, coinsurance charges, enrollment fees, copayments, and premiums that are the person's responsibility under medicare Part A through Part D. (Health insurance premiums are income deductions under WAC 182-519-0100(5));
    2. Second, medical expenses incurred and paid by the person during the three-month retroactive base period if eligibility for WAH was not established in that base period;
    3. Third, current payments on, or unpaid balance of, medical expenses incurred before the current base period that were not used to establish eligibility for medical coverage in another base period. The agency or its designee sets no limit on the age of an unpaid expense; however, the expense must be a current liability and be unpaid at the beginning of the base period;
    4. Fourth, other medical expenses that are not covered by the agency's or its designee's medical programs, minus any third-party payments that apply to the charges. A licensed health care provider must provide or prescribe the items or services allowed as a medical expense;
    5. Fifth, other medical expenses incurred by the person during the base period that are potentially payable by the MN program (minus any confirmed third-party payments that apply to the charges). This deduction is allowed even if payment is denied for these services because they exceed the agency's or its designee's limits on amount, duration, or scope of care. Scope of care is described in WAC 182-501-0060 and 182-501-0065; and
    6. Sixth, other medical expenses incurred by the person during the base period that are potentially payable by the MN program (minus any confirmed third-party payments that apply to the charges) and that are within the agency's or its designee's limits on amount, duration, or scope of care.
  11. If a person submits verification of qualifying medical expenses with his or her application that meet or exceed the spenddown liability, the person is eligible for MN medical coverage for the remainder of the base period unless their circumstances change. See WAC 182-504-0105 to determine which changes must be reported to the agency or its designee. The beginning of eligibility is determined under WAC 182-504-0020.
  12. If a person cannot meet the spenddown amount when the application is submitted, the person is not eligible until he or she provides proof of additional qualifying expenses that meet the spenddown liability.
  13. Each dollar of a qualifying medical expense may count once against a spenddown period that leads to eligibility for MN coverage. However, medical expenses may be used more than once if:
    1. The person did not meet his or her total spenddown liability and become eligible in a previous base period and the bill remains unpaid; or
    2. The medical expense was incurred and paid within three months of the current application, and the agency or its designee could not establish WAH eligibility for the person in the retroactive base period.
  14. The person must provide the proof of qualifying medical expense information to the agency or its designee within thirty days after the base period ends, unless there is a good reason for delay.
  15. Once a person meets the spenddown requirement and the certification begin date is established, newly identified expenses are not considered toward that spenddown unless:
    1. There is a good reason for the delay in submitting the expense; or
    2. The agency or its designee made an error when determining the correct begin date.
  16. Good reasons for delay in providing medical expense information to the agency or its designee include, but are not limited to:
    1. The person did not receive a timely bill from his or her medical provider or insurance company;
    2. The person has medical issues that prevent him or her from submitting proof on time; or
    3. The person meets the criteria for needing equal access under chapter WAC 182-503-0120.
  17. The agency or its designee does not pay for any expense or portion of an expense used to meet a person's spenddown liability.
  18. If an expense is potentially payable under the MN program, and only a portion of the medical expense is assigned to meet spenddown, the medical provider must not:
    1. Bill the person for more than the amount assigned to the remaining spenddown liability; or
    2. Accept or retain any additional amount for the covered service from the person. Any additional amount may be billed to the agency or its designee. See WAC 182-502-0160, Billing a client.
  19. The agency or its designee determines whether any payment is due to the medical provider on medical expenses partially assigned to meet a spenddown liability under WAC 182-502-0100.
  20. If the medical expense assigned to spenddown was incurred outside of a period of MN eligibility, or if the expense is not covered by WAH, the agency or its designee does not pay any portion of the bill.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Overview

The Medically Needy (MN) program provides Apple Health Medicaid health care coverage for aged, blind, or disabled persons, institutionalized individuals, hospice individuals, pregnant women, children, and refugees with income above Categorically Needy (CN) standards and countable resources below the applicable MN resource standard. Those standards are defined in the standards chapter of this manual. There is no MN program related to the Apple Health for Adults (N05) program.

Note: The MN program has the following program codes: F99, G95, G99, K95, K99, L95, L99, P99, S95, and S99.

An individual may qualify for the MN program with or without spenddown. When determining eligibility for the MN program, there may be a difference between CN countable income and MN countable income. This results from the extra income deductions which apply to MN (for more information, see WAC 182-519-0100(5)). Decisions regarding CN eligibility and MN eligibility should be based on the appropriate calculation of countable income.

  • When determining countable income for individuals who are aged, blind or disabled, use SSI-related income rules and deeming methodologies.
  • When determining countable income for children and pregnant women, use family-related income rules and deeming methodologies.

If an individual's income goes down after the spenddown amount has been calculated, the individual may become eligible for CN coverage. See the Change of Circumstances chapter for more information.

MN coverage for persons in institutions is determined according to WAC 182-513-1395. See the Long Term Care section of the manual for more information.

MN without spenddown

MN without spenddown means that the individual receives MN coverage for 12 months from the month of application without first having to incur any medical costs.

MN with spenddown

MN with spenddown means that the individual needs to incur medical expenses greater than or equal to the spenddown amount before coverage can begin. The spenddown amount is calculated by subtracting the SSI-related MN income standard from the amount of countable income (after the $20 income disregard), then multiplying this difference by the number of months in the base period.

Base Periods and Retroactive Coverage

The base period is the number of months used to calculate the spenddown amount. The individual may choose either a 3-month or a 6-month base period. If the client incurs qualifying medical expenses before and during the base period, the individual meets the spenddown and receives MN coverage from the date the spenddown was met through the remainder of the base period.

The base period begins the first of the month in which the agency receives an application for medical benefits or may begin the first of the following month if the individual applies late in the month and chooses to withdraw their request for medical coverage in the initial month.

An individual may also request retroactive coverage for any or all of the 3 months prior to the month of application. These month(s) are referred to as a retroactive base period.

Example: We receive an application for benefits on March 10. The individual requests coverage for February only, as he was hospitalized from February 15 - February 21. The individual is eligible for coverage under MN with spenddown for February. The worker denies MN coverage for December and January and establishes a 1-month retroactive base period for February.

Note: Children and pregnant women who are found eligible for CN coverage in one of the months of a retroactive base period are continuously eligible for CN coverage for one year in the case of children or through the end of the postpartum period in the case of pregnant women.

There is no review for MN coverage. Each request for MN coverage is considered a separate application.

Allowable Medical Expenses

Before medical expenses can be used to reduce or meet spenddown, the individual must have incurred the legal obligation. This means that the individual must have received the medical service or product and have a legal obligation for the cost. The medical expenses used to meet spenddown are the individual's obligation and cannot be billed to Medicaid.

For an expense to be allowed towards spenddown, the expense must have been prescribed by a licensed provider. The following Charts give some guidance on expenses that can be allowed towards a spenddown liability.

Expenses that have been paid using a credit card are considered a paid expense. They are allowed as a paid expense within either the retroactive base period or the current base period in which they paid the bill with the credit card. They are no longer considered an unpaid expense as the provider has been paid and the individual has received the medical item or service. Current credit card payments on a bill that was paid prior to any period of eligibility are no longer considered a valid medical expense.

Medical expenses that are still owed and have not been written off or discharged by the collection agency are allowed as a medical expense and can be considered an unpaid bill for spenddown. The agency will confirm if the debt is still valid and will not allow any interest or fees charged by the collection agency to be counted toward the spenddown. The agency allows only the amount of the original unpaid debt (the medical expense), using the original date of service for the expense when coding it into ACES.

Premiums for private medical insurance are treated as income deductions and are not applied to spenddown. The agency allows private insurance premiums (not Medicare premiums) as an income deduction and reduces income prior to comparing income to the MNIL standard. In many cases, an individual may become eligible for MN coverage without spenddown using this methodology.

When the individual meets spenddown, the agency determines if it is cost-effective to pay the premiums to ensure the coverage continues. If it is cost effective and the individual meets spenddown, the agency pays the premium. If the individual does not meet spenddown, the agency does not pay the premiums.

For more information on the Premium Payment programs through the Medicaid Purchasing Administration, see Health Insurance Premium Program.

Example: The individual’s spenddown is $600 and the insurance premium is $100 a month. Since the base period is 6-months, the individual meets spenddown and becomes eligible for Medicaid. The agency determines if it is cost effective to pay the insurance premium. If it is, then the agency begins paying the insurance premiums.

Note: In the above example, if the agency didn’t use the insurance premium since the agency had been paying it in the previous base period, then the individual will not meet spenddown. If the individual does not meet spenddown, the agency does not pay the insurance premium. Then, the worker allows the monthly premiums for the base period which makes the individual eligible for coverage. Once eligible, the agency begins paying the premiums.

Clarifying information

For clarifying information on specific spenddown topics, click the link below:

Allowable Expenses Chart
Allowable Medical Practitioners
Public Programs
Health Insurance Premium Program
Medicare Savings Program
Changes of Circumstance

ACES Codes

Worker responsibilities

Base periods and retroactive coverage

  1. Review the application to determine if the individual has applied for retroactive coverage. If not, contact the individual to determine if they have any unpaid or paid medical expenses that they incurred during that time period.
  2. Explain to the individual that they have the option to use the expenses they incurred and paid during the 3-month period or any expenses they have incurred but which remain unpaid towards meeting spenddown in the retroactive base period, or that they may apply the expenses towards their spenddown liability in the current base period.
  3. Explain the advantages or disadvantages of both options. If the individual chooses to use expenses that were incurred and paid within the 3-month retroactive period towards the current base period, we cannot then use the expenses towards establishing coverage in the retroactive period at a later date.
  4. ACES defaults to a 6-month certification period; however that may not be the best option for the individual. If possible, talk to the individual to determine their circumstances. Upcoming hospitalizations or other major expenses may make a difference in selecting a base period.
    • If the spenddown amount is high, a 3-month base period may be to the individual's benefit.
    • If the spenddown amount is low and the individual can easily meet it, a 6-month base period would provide medical coverage for a longer period of time.

Example: An individual has $30.00 per month in excess income.

Spenddown in this example would be $90.00 for a 3-month base period and $180.00 for a 6 month base period.
If the individual has $250.00 in qualifying medical expenses, a 6-month base period would be beneficial to the individual since they would have a longer period of eligibility.
If the same individual has no qualifying medical expenses at the time of application and anticipates no large medical needs, a 3-month base period may be in the individual's best interests. It would enhance the individual's opportunity to meet spenddown and obtain coverage.

Medical providers and spenddown information

  1. When spenddown is met and benefits authorized, notify the medical service providers affected by spenddown. Those whose bills remain the responsibility of the individual may continue to pursue collection for those bills.
  2. Those provider bills which will be covered by the ProviderOne Card need to be billed to the Medicaid program, and the provider must cease billing the individual for those covered services.
  3. The agency is authorized to release spenddown information to providers without a signed release of information form if it is information necessary for the provider to correctly bill HCA. This information includes:
    • The amount of the spenddown assigned to their bill (if the bill is a split bill)
    • The specific expenses and dollar amounts of their bill(s) that were used
    • The total dollar amount of the spenddown liability
    • The balance of spenddown remaining to be met.
  4. If providers have questions related to spenddown for individuals who are pregnant or about children, refer them to the Medical Assistance Customer Service Center provider line (1-800-562-3022).
  5. For other individuals on spenddown, refer them to the DSHS Specialty Unit (1-877-501-2233).

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Revised date
Purpose statement

To describe programs to help individuals pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance charges, and copayments.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

FPL changes are effective April 1, 2024 for the following programs: QMB from 100% to 110% and QI from 135% to 138%.

Clarifying information

What is Medicare and who can get Medicare?

  1. Medicare is a federal health insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare provides health care coverage for people who:
    1. Have worked under the Social Security or Railroad Retirement systems (for more Railroad Retirement information, see Worker Responsibilities, section 2 below) and:
      1. Are age 65 or older; or
      2. Have been receiving Social Security or Railroad disability benefits for at least 24 months; or
    2. Need continuing dialysis for end stage renal disease; or
    3. Have received a kidney transplant within the last thirty-six months; or
    4. Are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and;
      1. Meet the citizenship and alien status requirements in chapter WAC 182-503-0505 and
      2. Are age 65 or older or can draw Medicare based on having sufficient work quarters on their own or through a disabled parent.
    5. An individual can apply for Medicare online at Social Security Administration's website.
      The Medicare program includes four kinds of health insurance coverage:

Part A - Hospital Insurance

  1. Part A is free for people who have worked and:
    1. Have earned the required number of work quarters, or
    2. Have a spouse who has earned the required number of work quarters.
  2. Part A is also available at a cost for Medicare-entitled individuals who do not have the required number of work quarters for free Medicare Part A.
  3. Medicare entitlement dates are in SOLQ on the SSA2 screen. Part A is called “Health Insurance”. Part A entitlements are also listed in ACES online under BENDEX.

Part B - Health Insurance (doctor’s visits)

  1. Everyone who enrolls in Part B must pay a monthly premium.
  2. Medicare entitlement dates are located in SOLQ on the SSA2 screen. Part B is called “Supplemental Medical Insurance”. Part B entitlements are also listed in ACES online under BENDEX.
  3. Effective January 1, 2023 SSA has a new type of Part B (Part B-ID or PBID) benefit only available to individuals who have received Medicare for organ transplant due to end stage renal disease. This new benefit is available to Medicare enrollees who are 36 months post kidney transplant, and therefore are no longer eligible for full Medicare coverage. These enrollees can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by paying a premium. Eligibility for the agency to pay for this new benefit is the same as for any MSP or other Medicaid program. Beneficiaries need not be eligible for Part A but do need to have received Part B previously due to end stage renal disease.
  4. Part C - Optional Supplemental Health Insurance
    1. Part C is called Medicare Advantage and is a managed care plan.
    2. Medicare beneficiaries that choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) must be entitled to Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B or they are unable to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
    3. Medicare Advantage (Part C) beneficiaries must pay a monthly premium in addition to Part A and Part B premiums when they enroll in a Part C plan.
    4. Several Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans doing business in Washington may have a $0 premium and may help pay all or part of your Medicare Part B premium.
    5. HCA no longer pays Part C premiums.
  5. Part D - Prescription Drug Program
    1. Part D benefits are available to all Medicare beneficiaries. To be eligible for Part D, the beneficiary must be enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B.
    2. CMS automatically enrolls dual-eligible (i.e., eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare) and MSP individuals into a Part D plan.
    3. Dual-eligible individuals begin receiving most of their prescription drug benefits through Medicare and not Medicaid when they gain dual-eligibility status (CN or MN plus Medicare).
    4. If a beneficiary has creditable coverage covering prescription drugs through a private insurance, a beneficiary can disclose this information to Medicare. See Creditable Coverage | CMS.
    5. Dual-eligible and MSP individuals may change to a different Part D plan quarterly if they choose. For more information see Drug coverage (Part D) | Medicare.
    6. The requirement to purchase drugs through a Medicare Part D plan begins as soon as Medicaid (HCA) is notified of Medicare eligibility.
    7. Medicare has contracted with Limited Income Net (Humana) to provide prescription drug coverage for Medicaid individuals newly entitled to Medicare and not yet enrolled in a Part D plan.
      1. Pharmacies can bill the Limited Income Net (Humana) plan when a Medicaid individual has not yet enrolled in a Part D plan. Medicaid individuals must show proof of Medicaid eligibility and Medicare entitlement to the pharmacist. A Medicaid award letter is sufficient proof of Medicaid and a Medicare card or letter from SSA stating the effective date of Medicare is sufficient proof of Medicare entitlement.
      2. The Limited Income Net (Humana) plan can be reached at 1-800-783-1307.
  6. Dual-eligible and MSP individuals have copayment cost sharing for Part D covered drugs.
  7. Institutionalized and Home & Community Service waivered individuals are exempt from paying Part D copayments. If an HCBS waiver individual is still being charged Part D copayments at their pharmacy, refer the individual to contact CMS at 206-615-2354. For more information specific to long-term care individuals, see Medicare and Long-term Care.
  8. Medicaid continues to pay for some drugs that Medicare excludes under Medicare Part D rules. This information is located at Apple Health Preferred Drug List (PDL) | Washington State Health Care Authority.
  9. Medicaid and MSP individuals receive a ProviderOne services card that looks like a plastic credit card. For more information visit ProviderOne Services Card.

WAC 182-517-0100 Federal medicare savings programs.

WAC 182-517-0100 Federal medicare savings programs.

Effective April 1, 2024

  1. Available programs. The medicaid agency offers eligible clients the following medicare savings programs (MSPs):
    1. The qualified medicare beneficiary (QMB) program;
    2. The specified low-income medicare beneficiary (SLMB) program;
    3. The qualified individual (QI-1) program; and
    4. The qualified disabled and working individuals (QDWI) program.
  2. Eligibility requirements.
    1. To be eligible for an MSP, a client must:
      1. Be entitled to medicare Part A; and
      2. Meet the general eligibility requirements under WAC 182-503-0505.
    2. To be eligible for QDWI, a client must be under age 65.
    3. Income limits.
      1. Income limits for all MSPs are found at www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-help-others-apply-and-access-apple-health/program-standard-income-and-resources.
      2. If a client's countable income is less than or equal to 110 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), the client is income eligible for the QMB program.
      3. If a client's countable income is over 110 percent of the FPL, but does not exceed 120 percent of the FPL, the client is income eligible for the SLMB program.
      4. If a client's countable income is over 120 percent of the FPL, but does not exceed 138 percent of the FPL, the client is income eligible for the QI-1 program.
      5. If a client's countable income is over 138 percent of the FPL, but does not exceed 200 percent of the FPL, the client is income eligible for the QDWI program if the client is employed and meets disability requirements described in WAC 182-512-0050.
    4. The federal MSPs do not require a resource test.
  3. MSP income eligibility determinations.
    1. The agency has two methods for determining if a client is eligible for an MSP:
      1. The agency first determines if the client is eligible based on SSI-rated methodologies under chapter 182-512 WAC. Under this method, the agency calculates the household's net countable income and compares the result to the one-person standard. However, if the spouse's income is deemed to the client, or if both spouses are applying, the household's net countable income is compared to the two-person standard.
      2. If the client is not eligible under the methodology described in (a)(i) of this subsection, the agency compares the same countable income, as determined under (a)(i) of this subsection, to the appropriate FPL standard based on family size. The number of individuals that count for family size include:
        1. The client;
        2. The client's spouse who lives with the client;
        3. The client's dependents who live with the client;
        4. The spouse's dependents who live with the spouse, if the spouse lives with the client; and
        5. Any unborn children of the client, or of the spouse if the spouse lives with the client.
    2. Under both eligibility determinations, the agency follows the rules for SSI-related people under chapter 182-512 WAC for determining
      1. Countable income;
      2. Availability of income;
      3. Allowable income deductions and exclusions; and
      4. Deemed income from and allocated income to a nonapplying spouse and dependents.
      5. The agency uses the eligibility determination that provides the client with the highest level of coverage.
        1. If the MSP applicant is eligible for QMB coverage under (a)(i) of this subsection, the agency approves the coverage.
        2. If the MSP applicant is not eligible for QMB coverage, the agency determines if the applicant is eligible under (a)(ii) of this subsection.
        3. If neither eligibility determination results in QMB coverage, the agency uses the same process to determine if the client is eligible under any other MSP.
      6. When calculating income under this section:
        1. The agency subtracts client participation from a long-term care client's countable income under WAC 182-513-1380, 182-515-1509, or 182-515-1514.
        2. The agency counts the annual Social Security cost-of-living increase beginning April 1st each year.
  4. Covered costs.
    1. The QMB program pays:
      1. Medicare Part A and Part B premiums using the start date in WAC 182-504-0025; and
      2. Medicare coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles for Part A, Part B, and Part C, subject to the limitations in WAC 182-502-0110.
    2. If the client is eligible for both SLMB and another medicaid program:
      1. The SLMB program pays the Part B premiums using the start date in WAC 182-504-0025; and
      2. The medicaid program pays medicare coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles for Part A, Part B, and Part C subject to the limitations in WAC 182-502-0110.
    3. If the client is only eligible for SLMB, the SLMB program covers medicare Part B premiums using the start date in WAC 182-504-0025.
    4. The QI-1 program pays medicare Part B premiums using the start date in WAC 182-504-0025 until the agency's federal funding allotment is spent. The agency resumes QI-1 benefit payments the beginning of the next calendar year.
    5. The QDWI program covers medicare Part A premiums using the start date in WAC 182-504-0025.
  5. MSP eligibility. Medicaid eligibility may affect MSP eligibility:
    1. QMB and SLMB clients may receive medicaid and still be eligible to receive QMB or SLMB benefits.
    2. QI-1 and QDWI clients who begin receiving medicaid are no longer eligible for QI-1 or QDWI benefits, but may be eligible for the state-funded medicare buy-in program under WAC 182-517-0300.
  6. Right to request administrative hearing. A person who disagrees with agency action under this section may request an administrative hearing under chapter 182-526 WAC.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-517-0300 State-funded medicare buy-in programs

WAC 182-517-0300 State-funded medicare buy-in programs.

Effective July 23, 2016

  1. A person is eligible for the state-funded medicare buy-in program if the person:
    1. Is entitled to or receiving medicare;
    2. Is not eligible for a federal medicare savings program under WAC 182-517-0100; and
    3. Is eligible for coverage under:
      1. The categorically needy (CN) program; or
      2. The medically needy (MN) program;
  2. The SBIP begins the second month after the month a person meets eligibility requirements.
  3. The SBIP pays only medicare Part B premiums.
  4. The agency pays medicare deductibles and coinsurance under WAC 182-502-0110.
  5. A person who disagrees with agency action under this section may request an administrative hearing under chapter 182-526 WAC.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

How does someone apply or recertify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)?

  1. A person applying for MSP can apply:
    1. Online at Washington Connection;
    2. Call the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233;
    3. Submit a paper HCA 13-691 Application for Medicare Savings Program (wa.gov); or
    4. Submit Form HCA 18-005 Application for aged, blind, disabled/long-term if applying full Medicaid coverage (wa.gov).
  2. MSP applications can also be initiated at SSA; these applications are sent electronically by SSA directly to ACES for auto-screening into ACES as a pending application. See Applications for Assistance - Special Situations document for more information.
  3. A person reapplying for MSP can use any of the forms: 18-005, 13-691, 14-078 or ACES Interactive Interview Declaration (IID).
  4. An applicant can apply or reapply by mail, fax, phone or in person.
  5. A face-to-face interview is not required.
  6. Individuals receiving SSI (S01) and MSP do not need to reapply or be recertified unless their SSI benefits end.
  7. Individuals who are currently on CN and become Medicare eligible should have MSP added whenever discovered. Treat this situation as a change of circumstances and process without an application. Applicants with other health insurance coverage need to complete a DSHS Third Party Liability 14-194 form. For more information refer to the Coordination of benefits | Washington State Health Care Authority.
  8. See the Medicare Savings Programs reference guide for a useful overview of the programs discussed in this section.

How a client is determined eligible for a Medicare Savings Program

  1. Eligibility for an MSP follows SSI-related rules described in Chapter 182-512 WAC with limited exceptions.
    1. For MSP, the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) and Disabled Widow/widowers Benefit (DWB) groups special income disregards in 182-512-0880 (2) and (3) are not allowable. Federal law does not allow the DAC and DWB disregard in the MSP eligibility determination.
  2. For a single individual, net countable income is compared to the income standards described in WAC 182-517-0100.
  3. When a married person applies for an MSP, eligibility is determined using the 2-person standard when both applicants are applying for and entitled to Medicare. When only one person in the couple is applying for an MSP, eligibility is determined as follows:
    1. Compare the income of the nonapplying spouse (NAS) (after allowable deductions to children in the household, if any) to one half of the federal benefit rate (FBR). If the countable income of the nonapplying spouse is equal to or less than ½ FBR, then no income is allocated to the MSP applicant and only the applicant’s income is compared to the one-person MSP standard.
    2. If the countable income of the nonapplying spouse is greater than ½ FBR, then their countable income is allocated to the MSP applicant. The applicant is then allowed the standard $20 exclusion and a deduction of $65 plus ½ of any earned income. The remaining amount is then compared to the two-person MSP standard. See the Medicare Savings Program eligibility desk aid for more information.
    3. If an individual or couple is not eligible using the SSI-related rules above there is another methodology that ACES will use automatically when a spouse, or countable child, as defined in 182-512-0820, is in the household. The new method compares net countable income based on the countable number of households members to the appropriate program FPL based on household size. This can result in an applicant becoming eligible for a program when they were not previously or moving up the MSP continuum (towards a more comprehensive program) due to the increased limit based on the household size. The new standards chart with MSP income limits based on household size are posted and effective 8/1/2019.
    4. There is no resource test for the MSPs effective January 1, 2023. Do not request verification of resources for MSP only applications.

How do I recognize Medicare Part A Entitlement?

  1. Obtain proof of Medicare Part A entitlement from the individual, based on one of the following:
    1. Medicare card;
    2. Medicare award letter, if available;
    3. State Online Query (SOLQ) screen SSA2 or BENDEX (ACES online), except for Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries;
    4. The SSA2 screen shows Medicare Part A (Health Insurance) and Part B entitlement (Supplemental medical insurance); and
    5. Contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 800-808-0722.
  2. For MSP and State-funded Buy-In, individuals need to be:
    1. Entitled to Medicare Part A but do not have to be receiving or enrolled in Part A at the application for benefits; and
    2. Entitled to Medicare Part A when asking for retroactive certification for each of the retroactive months.

What is the Program Priority for Medicare Savings Programs?

  1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
    1. The ACES medical coverage group for QMB is S03.
    2. The income standard for a QMB is 110% FPL.
      Note: A QMB who is eligible for another Medicaid program (QMB dual eligible) receives QMB (S03) with the other Medicaid program. These QMB dual eligible individuals (also known as "full dual-eligibles") are screened in ACES on medical coverage group S03 and the other Medicaid programs (for example, S03 and S02).
  2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
    1. The ACES medical coverage group is S05.
    2. The income standard for SLMB is 120% of FPL.

      Note: A SLMB who is eligible for another Medicaid program (SLMB dual) receives SLMB (S05) with the other Medicaid program. The Medicaid programs medical coverage group will vary depending on the individual’s eligibility. These SLMB dual eligible individuals (sometimes referred to as "partial dual-eligibles") are screened into ACES on medical coverage group S03 (which trickles to S05) and a Medicaid program (for example, S05 and S02).

  3. Qualifying Individuals (QI-1)
    1. The ACES medical coverage group is S06.
    2. The income standard for QI-1 is 138% of FPL.
  4. Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)
    1. The ACES medical coverage group is S04.
    2. The income standard for QDWI is 200% of FPL.
    3. Individuals must be employed to qualify.
  5. State-funded Buy-In
    1. There is no ACES coverage group for these individuals.
    2. Any individual who is eligible for Medicaid and there is no MSP open, is eligible for the state-funded buy-in program.

How does the buy-in process work?

  1. DSHS eligibility staff determine MSP eligibility.
  2. ProviderOne runs a search application during the last week of every month to find Medicaid and MSP individuals eligible for Medicare premium payment/buy-in. This process identifies individuals who meet the buy-in criteria. The individual's data is sent to the CMS.
  3. CMS compares the state’s data against their own to match for name, date of birth, sex, and the Medicare Health Insurance Claim (HIC) number.
  4. CMS forwards the matched data to the SSA payment centers to issue Part B refunds to beneficiaries and to update the SSA record.
  5. The Medicare Buy-In Unit (MBU) may send BarCode ticklers to CSO and HCS staff requesting corrective actions, such as S03 screening.
  6. If the individual is being billed for Part B premiums or their Part B premiums are still being deducted from their benefit checks after 60-90 days, the individual or worker should contact the HCA Buy-In unit at 800-562-3022 ext. 16129.

Can an individual be on MSP and spenddown at the same time?

  1. An individual pending spenddown may be eligible for MSP if their income meets program requirements.
  2. An individual may receive any of the MSPs when spenddown is pending. Only QMB and SLMB may be open concurrent with another medical program.
  3. An individual receiving Tailored supports for older adults (TSOA) can receive a MSP program along with TSOA.
  4. When an individual pending spenddown receives QI-1 (S06) or QDWI (S04) and is later certified for a CN or MN medical program, ACES will prompt the worker to close the QI-1 (S06) or QDWI (S04). When the CN or MN certification ends, the individual can be reopened for any remaining months of the original QI-1 (S06) or QDWI (S04) certification period.

Example: A person pending spenddown is opened on MSP QI-1 (S06) based on their income. The individual meets spenddown, is approved for MN coverage and is no longer eligible for QI-1 when receiving Medicaid. When the MN certification ends, the client is reopened (a new application is not needed) on QI-1 for any remaining months of the original QI-1 certification.

Can an individual be on HWD (S08) and MSP/state-funded buy-in at the same time?

  1. To be eligible for the federal Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), HWD individuals must meet all the MSP criteria in the above MSP WACs, specifically income requirements.
  2. When the HWD individual loses eligibility for free Part A but meets eligibility criteria for QDWI, the state can pay Part A premiums but may not pay the client’s Part B premium. To do this the individual would have to be closed from HWD and enrolled in QDWI.
  3. If the HWD individual who loses eligibility for free Part A self-pays their Part A premium, the state may pay Part B premiums through the state-funded buy-in program as long as the individual continues to self-pay Part A premiums. The individual will also be eligible for continued Medicaid (HWD).
  4. If the individual stops self-paying their Part A premium the state can no longer pay the individual’s Part B premium.
    The state may not pay both Part A and Part B premiums for those HWD individuals who have lost free Part A entitlement.

Worker responsibilities

  1. Refer individuals with Medicare questions to Medicare at 1-800- Medicare (800-633-4227) or TRS through Washington Relay.
  2. Refer individuals with questions about Railroad Retirement (RRB) benefits to the Railroad Retirement Board at 800-808-0722.
  3. Railroad Retirement Medicare entitlement is NOT in SOLQ. The individual can present a Red, White, and Blue Medicare entitlement card or RRB approval or award letter that shows the individual's or dependent's Medicare coverage. RRB award letters do not provide entitlement dates for Part A and Part B. The RRB Red, White, and Blue cards do provide Medicare entitlement dates.
    1. Workers should call 877-772-5772 to request RRB Medicare entitlement dates.
    2. Update TPL screens, if not already updated by AUTO.
    3. Approve the appropriate Medicare Savings Program when an individual or dependent of a RRB individual has RRB Medicare coverage.
  4. Refer individual questions about the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D) or specific drug plans to:
    1. Medicare at 1-800-Medicare; or
    2. SHIBA HelpLine 1-800-562-6900.
  5. Refer individual questions about Extra Help Paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Costs to:
    1. Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213; or
    2. SHIBA HelpLine 1-800-562-6900.
  6. Processing MSP cases in ACES includes adding and/or updating the TPL screens unless ProviderOne has already updated the ACES TPL screens.
  7. For the Eligibility Established Date, use the date that all the needed verification/information is available. The QMB start date is the month after eligibility is established and should not be delayed when processed later due to workload.
    Example: Individual submits online MSP application on May 30th and all information is available to determine eligibility on May 30th. The state processes and approves the application on June 10th. May 30th is entered as the Eligibility Established Date and QMB coverage is approved starting June 1st.
  8. Medicare and Long-Term Care. This section provides more detailed information about Medicare Part D and post-eligibility determinations.

Clarifying information

What do the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Medicaid offer Medicare beneficiaries?

  1. The MSP pays some out-of-pocket Medicare expenses for Medicare beneficiaries who meet the MSP income tests. For example and depending on the category of MSP eligibility, MSP can pay:
    1. Part A and Part B premiums; and
    2. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare Parts A, B, and C.
  2. The state notifies Medicare every month via an electronic interface about individuals with both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare automatically assigns Medicaid individuals with Medicare and/or MSP to a Medicare Part D plan. Medicare notifies these individuals by mail about their Part D plan.

What expenses are not paid by the Medicare Savings Programs?

The Medicare savings programs do not pay for the following expenses:

  1. Medicare Part D premiums
  2. Medicare Part D prescription drug copayments
  3. Medigap policies
  4. Medicare Part C premiums
  5. Expenses incurred with a provider who is not contracted with Medicaid.

Automated screening of Medicare Savings Program

As part of the Medicare Modernization Act applications to Social Security for Limited Income Subsidy (LIS) are also to be considered an application for Medicare cost-sharing. To comply with this requirement ACES automatically sends an application for health care to any individual who has applied for LIS at SSA in the previous month. If the LIS recipient does not complete and return the application ACES will automatically deny the request. Procedures for processing the returned applications are below.

Worker responsibilities

  1. Determine eligibility for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and, if requested, all other health care programs.
    1. WA State SSI Related income and resource rules differ from SSA LIS income and resource rules so S03 cannot be opened without an application and eligibility determination.
    2. ACES sends a letter 023-02 and application form 13-691 .
    3. If the individual returns the application form eligibility is determined for all Apple Health programs.
    4. The Standard of Promptness (SOP) count begins from the date DSHS received the SSA/LIS input file. ACES is programmed to apply the correct SOP date.
  2. Denying automated MSP applications.
    1. ACES will auto-deny MSP applications with LTR 004-05 and reason code 230 after 30 days when an application is not returned.
    2. Do not deny for failure to provide information prior to the automated ACES denial.

Note: Estate Recovery rules do not apply to MSP.

For questions or issues about buy-in

For assistance with Medicare premium payment questions only, contact the HCA Medicare Buy-In Unit at 800-562-3022 Ext: 16129.

If you have an eligibility question or need assistance with an administrative hearing issue, please contact the centralized Apple Health Eligibility Policy email HCAAHEligibilityPolicy@hca.wa.gov.

ACES procedures

See the DSHS website: Medicare Savings Program 

Overview

Revised date
Purpose statement

To explain the general eligibility requirements for SSI-related individuals seeking Categorically Needy (CN) or Medically Needy (MN) health care coverage.

The SSI-Related eligibility requirements may be found in the following WACs:

For related eligibility rules and other information:

WAC 182-512-0050 SSI-related medical -- General information.

WAC 182-512-0050 SSI-related medical -- General information.

Effective April 14, 2014.

  1. The agency (which includes its designee for purposes of this chapter) provides health care coverage under the Washington apple health (WAH) categorically needy (CN) and medically needy (MN) SSI-related programs for SSI-related people, meaning those who meet at least one of the federal SSI program criteria as being:
    1. Age sixty-five or older;
    2. Blind with:
      1. Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens; or
      2. A field of vision limitation so the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees.
    3. Disabled:
      1. "Disabled" means unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:
        1. Can be expected to result in death; or
        2. Has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or
        3. In the case of a child seventeen years of age or younger, if the child suffers from any medically determinable physical or mental impairment of comparable severity.
      2. Decisions on SSI-related disability are subject to the authority of:
        1. Federal statutes and regulations codified at 42 U.S.C. Section 1382c and 20 C.F.R., parts 404 and 416, as amended; and
        2. Controlling federal court decisions, which define the OASDI and SSI disability standard and determination process.
  2. A denial of Title II or Title XVI federal benefits by SSA solely due to failure to meet the blindness or disability criteria is binding on the agency unless the applicant's:
    1. Denial is under appeal in the reconsideration stage in SSA's administrative hearing process, or SSA's appeals council; or
    2. Medical condition has changed since the SSA denial was issued.
  3. The agency considers a person who meets the special requirements for SSI status under Sections 1619(a) or 1619(b) of the Social Security Act as an SSI recipient. Such a person is eligible for WAH CN health care coverage under WAC 182-510-0001.
  4. Persons referred to in subsection (1) must also meet appropriate eligibility criteria found in the following WAC and EA-Z Manual sections:
    1. For all programs:
      1. WAC 182-506-0015, Medical assistance units;
      2. WAC 182-504-0015, Categorically needy and WAC 182-504-0020, Medically needy certification periods;
      3. Program specific requirements in chapter 182-512 WAC;
      4. WAC 182-503-0050, Verification;
      5. WAC 182-503-0505, General eligibility requirements for medical programs;
      6. WAC 182-503-0540, Assignment of rights and cooperation;
      7. Chapter 182-516 WAC, Trusts, annuities and life estates.
    2. For LTC programs:
      1. Chapter 182-513 WAC, Long-term care services;
      2. Chapter 182-515 WAC, Waiver services.
    3. For WAH MN, chapter 182-519 WAC, Spenddown;
    4. For WAH HWD, program specific requirements in chapter 182-511 WAC.
  5. Aliens who qualify for medicaid coverage, but are determined ineligible because of alien status may be eligible for programs as specified in WAC 182-507-0110.
  6. The agency pays for a person's medical care outside of Washington according to WAC 182-501-0180.
  7. The agency follows income and resource methodologies of the supplemental security income (SSI) program defined in federal law when determining eligibility for SSI-related medical or medicare savings programs unless the agency adopts rules that are less restrictive than those of the SSI program.
  8. Refer to WAC 182-504-0125 for effects of changes on medical assistance for redetermination of eligibility.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

SSI-related individuals may qualify for SSI-Related Apple Health, which offers both CN and MN health care coverage. CN coverage is the most comprehensive, covering more services than MN coverage. Eligibility for CN is determined first and eligibility for MN or other programs is determined only if the individual is not eligible for CN.

If an individual is under age 65 and doesn't have Medicare, review their eligibility for MAGI-based coverage before looking at SSI-related medical.

SSI-related individuals are those who meet the requirements of aged, blind or disabled, as defined by the federal SSI program rules, but cannot get or choose not to receive SSI cash benefits, such as:

  • Aged, blind, or disabled adults who are not receiving SSI cash benefits, including;
    • Working age adults with disabilities who are working and have income or resources that exceed other SSI-related program requirements; See Clarifying Information that follows WAC 182-511-1100 in the Health Care for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) section for more information and rules that apply to all individuals with gross monthly earnings at or above substantial gainful activity (SGA).
    • The SGA test described in WAC 182-512-0050 below applies to all SSI-related programs (other than non-grant medical assistance (NGMA), including HWD, and Apple Health coverage provided under sections 1619(a) and (b) of the Social Security Act), unless the individual continues to receive a Title II cash benefit, e.g. SSDI or DAC.

Note: Individuals receiving Title II cash benefits may test their ability to work for a number of months without losing their cash benefit under the SSA Trial Work Period (TWP). After the TWP is completed, earnings at the SGA level result in the loss of Title II cash after a three-month "cessation and grace" period. For more information about the TWP, see SSA work incentives.

  • Children who are blind or disabled and who are not receiving SSI cash benefits (See WAC 182-505-0210); and
  • Certain qualified aliens who meet the nonimmigration status criteria for SSI-related medical (See WAC 182-508-0001).

The Agency uses the Federal SSI cash assistance rules when determining eligibility for SSI-related medical, with a few exceptions that provide less restrictive rules. For more comprehensive definitions of blind and disabled, see SSA Program Operating Manual Systems (POMS) @ SI 00501.001 Eligibility Under the Supplemental Security Income Provisions.

  • An individual who receives cash assistance from SSI, SSA disability, or who is age 65 or older, has met the requirements to be SSI-related and no further categorical determination is necessary.
  • An SSI individual who begins working and is terminated from SSI cash benefits by the Social Security Administration, but who is being determined for eligibility under the Social Security Act Title 1619(a) or 1619(b), remains eligible as an SSI recipient under the S01 CN coverage group during the SSA determination and appeal process.

The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS) processes referrals for blindness or disability determinations. See "Worker Responsibilities" in the NGMA overview.

Individuals who receive a cash grant under the Aged, Blind, Disabled cash program and meet SSI criteria for disability, income and resources, may receive health care coverage under the following programs while their SSI application is pending with the Social Security Administration (SSA):

Note: The following apply to individuals enrolled in Health Care for Workers with Disabilities (HWD):

  • An eligible individual may choose to enroll in HWD with gross monthly earnings above or below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. If an individual is working at SGA and never received a federal cash benefit based on disability, or no longer receives it because of earnings, then HWD is the only Medicaid option for coverage, unless Medicaid protections under Section 1619 of the Social Security Act apply.
  • An impairment-related work expense (IRWE) approved by SSA or the financial worker may be used to reduce gross earnings that are compared to SGA. For information about IRWEs, see WAC 182-512-0840 and SSA Red Book - Employment Supports.
  • Determinations made by SSA to establish IRWEs or a subsidy and special conditions exist in their "eWork" and Disability Control File (DCF) databases; such information is not provided in a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) and is not available in any other SSA database. If current documentation is not available, SSA staff can help determine whether an individual with higher earnings is working at SGA.

Worker responsibility

  1. When SSA terminates an individual’s SSI cash payment, but is determining 1619(a) or 1619(b) eligibility for that individual, continue the individual on S01 medical until you receive additional information on the SDX referring the individual back to the State for a Medicaid determination (R on the medical eligibility field on SDX1).
    1. While the individual is in 1619(b) status, SSA sends notification to the State on the SDX interface using the 'C' code in the medical eligibility field on the SDX1.
    2. After the SSA sends the final decision on the SDX record, determine eligibility for any appropriate programs based on the SSA decision.
  2. When SSA terminates the individual’s SSI cash eligibility for reasons other than disability ending or improvement, a new referral to DDDS is needed to get the disability end date – the date a new disability determination will be needed. Set an alert at least 90 days prior to the disability end date to begin the process of getting the new disability determination from DDDS.
  3. To be an SSI-related individual, the individual must be age 65 or older or determined blind or disabled by either the federal SSI/SSA program or by DDDS. An individual who is only receiving disability benefits such as VA, L&I, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB), etc., is not necessarily an SSI-related individual. For a disability determination, initiate a Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA) referral.

WAC 182-512-0010 Supplemental security income (SSI) standards, SSI-related categorically needy income level (CNIL), and countable resource standards.

WAC 182-512-0010 Supplemental security income (SSI) standards, SSI-related categorically needy income level (CNIL), and countable resource standards.

Effective January 27, 2019

  1. The SSI payment standards, also known as the federal benefit rate (FBR), change each January 1st.
  2. See WAC 388-478-0055 for the amount of the state supplemental payments (SSP) for SSI recipients.
  3. See WAC 182-513-1205 for standards of clients living in an alternate living facility.
  4. The SSI-related CNIL standards are the same as the SSI payment standards for single persons and couples. Those paying out shelter costs have a higher standard than people who have supplied shelter.
  5. The countable resource standards for SSI and SSI-related CN medical programs are:
    1. One person                          $2,000
    2. A legally married couple        $3,000

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. The Categorically Needy (CN) program provides a federal-funded Apple Health benefit for certain individuals with income below Categorically Needy (CN) standards. SSI-related CN standards are described in WAC 182-512-0010.
  2. An individual who is eligible for an SSI cash grant and chooses not to accept it is still eligible for CN medical as an SSI-related individual.
  3. Sometimes an SSI recipient stops receiving the SSI cash grant because he or she is working. He or she will still be eligible for CN medical under the S01 program under Section 1619(a) and/or (b) if there is a "C" Medical Eligibility Code on the SDX screen in ACES.
  4. The "ineligible spouse" of an SSI recipient (i.e., a spouse who does not receive SSI in his or her own right but who is included in the SSI recipient's benefits) is not considered an SSI recipient for purposes of SSI-related medical.
    1. The spouse must apply for health care coverage and have SSI-related eligibility determined separately.
    2. An SSI-ineligible spouse cannot receive noninstitutional CN coverage, but may qualify for medically needy (MN) coverage.
  5. Eligibility redeterminations must be completed on each individual in the AU for all possible health care programs, including MAGI coverage, before terminating CN coverage and before denying an application.

WAC 182-512-0150 SSI-related medical -- Medically needy (MN) medical eligibility.

WAC 182-512-0150 SSI-related medical -- Medically needy (MN) medical eligibility.

Effective June 26, 2022.

  1. Washington apple health (WAH) medically needy (MN) health care coverage is available for any of the following:
    1. A person who is SSI-related and not eligible for WAH categorically needy (CN) medical coverage because the person has countable income that is above the WAH CN income level (CNIL) (or for long-term care (LTC) recipients, above the special income limit (SIL)):
      1. The person's countable income is at or below WAH MN standards, leaving no spenddown requirement; or
      2. The person's countable income is above WAH MN standards requiring the person to spenddown their excess income (see subsection (4) of this section). See WAC 182-512-0500 through 182-512-0800 for rules on determining countable income, and WAC 182-519-0050 for program standards or chapter 182-513 WAC for institutional standards.
    2. An SSI-related ineligible spouse of an SSI recipient;
    3. A person who meets SSI program criteria but is not eligible for the SSI cash grant due to immigration status or sponsor deeming. See WAC 182-503-0535 for limits on eligibility for aliens;
    4. A person who meets the WAH MN LTC services requirements of chapter 182-513 WAC;
    5. A person who lives in an alternate living facility and meets the requirements of WAC 182-513-1205; or
    6. A person who meets resource requirements as described in chapter 182-512 WAC, elects and is certified for hospice services per chapter 182-551 WAC.
  2. A person whose countable resources are above the SSI resource standards is not eligible for WAH MN noninstitutional health care coverage. See WAC 182-512-0200 through 182-512-0550 to determine countable resources.
  3. A person who qualifies for services under WAH long-term care programs has different criteria and may spend down excess resources to become eligible for WAH LTC institutional or waiver health care coverage. Refer to WAC 182-513-1315 and 182-513-1395.
  4. A person with income over the effective WAH MN income limit (MNIL) described in WAC 182-519-0050 may become eligible for WAH MN coverage when the person has incurred medical expenses that are equal to the excess income. This is the process of meeting spenddown. Refer to chapter 182-519 WAC for spenddown information.
  5. A person may be eligible for health care coverage for any or all of the three months immediately prior to the month of application, if the person has:
    1. Met all eligibility requirements for the months being considered; and
    2. Received medical services covered by medicaid during that time.
  6. A person who is eligible for WAH MN without a spenddown is certified for up to 12 months. For a person who must meet a spenddown, refer to WAC 182-519-0110. For a person who is eligible for a WAH long-term care MN program, refer to WAC 182-513-1395 and 182-513-1315.
  7. A person must reapply for each certification period. There is no continuous eligibility for WAH MN.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

  1. The Medically Needy (MN) program provides a federal and state-funded Apple Health benefit for individuals with income above Categorically Needy (CN) standards. MN standards are described in WAC 182-519-0050. MN provides slightly less medical coverage than CN. See Scope of Care for which services are covered by CN and MN.
  2. For MN individuals with spenddown, the certification period starts either:
    1. The first of the certification period if the individual meets the spenddown with only Medicare cost sharing expenses, private insurance cost-sharing expenses, prior unpaid bills, or expenses of the type that are not covered under DSHS medical programs (or any combination of these); or
    2. The day spenddown is met if the expenses are hospital expenses, medical expenses of the type that are potentially payable by HCA/DSHS medical programs or prescription expenses (non-Medicare Part D expenses). See Certification Periods, chapter 182-504 WAC.
  3. There is no automatic redetermination process for MN at the end of a certification period. An individual must apply for each certification period.

Worker responsibilities

  1. Make sure a new application is mailed to the individual before the end of the base period, especially if the review has fallen out of the ACES review cycle or if the individual moved.
  2. The 3-month retroactive period of eligibility does not require a separate application.
  3. For reported changes that will alter the spenddown amount:
    1. If the individual has met spenddown, no change can be made for previous months. Recalculate spenddown for the remaining base period using the new information. If the change increases the spenddown, changes are effective the month after the month of change, following the rules of advance and adequate notice. If the change makes the individual eligible for CN coverage, make those changes for the appropriate months. Be sure to send an award letter explaining the changes.
    2. If the individual has not met spenddown, recalculate the spenddown using current information and notify the individual of the changes. See the Change of Circumstances of the Spenddown chapter of the manual.
  4. Allow an individual 30 days after the base period has expired to send in bills to meet spenddown. It may take this long for the individual to gather medical bills. If the individual requests more time to send bills in, allow it. If a fair hearing is filed, allow the individual to continue submitting bills incurred during the established base period until the fair hearing is resolved.

Referral process to Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS):

In Washington State, DDDS makes the blindness and disability determinations for both:

  1. Social Security Administration (Social Security disability benefits and SSI cash grant); and
  2. SSI-related individuals who:
    1. Do not receive SSI or SSA disability;
    2. Need a reexamination for continuing eligibility;
    3. Were terminated from SSI due to no longer meeting disability criteria;
    4. Meet SSI-related income and resource standards; or
    5. Have gross monthly earnings at or above the current substantial gainful activity (SGA) level (See SSA "Substantial Gainful Activity - Amounts"). For more information about SGA, see the SSA Red Book.
  3. If an individual is currently receiving SSI or SSA disability, DDDS has already determined that the individual is blind or disabled.
  4. When a blindness or disability determination is needed, follow instructions described in the NGMA overview.

Income (part 1)

Revised date

WAC 182-509-0300 Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

WAC 182-509-0300 Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Effective September 18, 2020.

  1. The agency uses the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology to determine eligibility for MAGI-based Washington apple health programs described in WAC 182-509-0305.
  2. MAGI methodology is described in WAC 182-509-0300 through 182-509-0375. Generally, MAGI includes adjusted gross income (as determined by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)) increased by:
    1. Any amount excluded from gross income under Section 911 of the IRC;
    2. Any amount of interest received or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year which is exempt from tax; and
    3. Any amount of Title II Social Security income or Tier 1 Railroad Retirement income which is excluded from gross income under Section 86 of the IRC.
  3. When calculating a person's eligibility for the programs listed in WAC 182-509-0305, the agency uses the person's MAGI income with the following exceptions:
    1. Scholarships or fellowship grants described in WAC 182-509-0335 used for education purposes are excluded from income;
    2. Income received by American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals described in WAC 182-509-0340 is excluded from income; and
    3. Any income received as a lump sum as described in WAC 182-509-0375 is counted as income only in the month in which it is received; and
    4. Income received by a child are eighteen or younger or a tax dependent as described in WAC 182-509-0360 is excluded from income.
  4. Countable MAGI income is reduced by an amount equal to five percentage points of the federal poverty level (FPL) based on household size to determine net income except that there is no such reduction of countable MAGI income for parents or caretaker relatives with an eligible dependent child whose net countable income is below fifty-four percent of the FPL (as described in WAC 182-509-0305(1)). Net income is compared to the applicable standard described in WAC 182-505-0100.
  5. When calculating a person's eligibility for MAGI-based programs listed in WAC 182-509-0305, the agency determines the medical assistance unit for each person according to WAC 182-506-0010.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

Total MAGI income is equal to IRS adjusted gross income

Plus:

  • Interest income
  • Title 2 Social Security income/Tier 1 Railroad Retirement income
  • Foreign income (Section 911 IRC)

Subtract:

  • Educational benefits exempt from income.
  • American Indian/Alaskan Native exempt income.
  • One-time lump sums not received in the month of application.
  • Income of tax dependents or children aged 19 or younger that does not meet tax filing threshold requirements.

Minus allowable IRS deductions 

Minus 5% FPL income disregard

  • Recipients of Parent/Caretakers Medical (N01) do not receive the 5% FPL income disregard unless they are receiving Medicare.

AmeriCorps living allowance

The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 specifically excludes payments made to certain volunteers from being used in determining eligibility for government assistance. Because of this exclusion, an AmeriCorps member’s living allowance is not counted for MAGI-based Washington Apple Health programs, even though it is taxable under IRS rules.

Income received from PFML

The Health Care Authority is waiting for official guidance from the IRS regarding the treatment of Washington State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Until this guidance is received, income received from PFML is not countable for MAGI-based Washington Apple Health programs.

WAC 182-509-0305 MAGI income -- Persons subject to the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology.

WAC 182-509-0305 MAGI income -- Persons subject to the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology.

Effective November 1, 2024.

  1. Eligibility for Washington apple health for the following people is determined using the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology described in WAC 182-509-0300:
    1. Parents or caretaker relatives with an eligible dependent child (described in WAC 182-503-0565) whose net countable income is below 54 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) as described in WAC 182-505-0240.
    2. Parents or caretaker relatives with an eligible dependent child whose net countable income exceeds the standard described in (a) of this subsection but is at or below 133 percent FPL as described in WAC 182-505-0250 and 182-507-0110.
    3. Adults with no eligible dependent child with net countable income at or below 133 percent FPL as described in WAC 182-505-0250 and 182-507-0110.
    4. Pregnant people whose net countable income, based on a household size that includes any unborn children, is equal to or below 210 percent FPL at the time of application, as described in WAC 182-505-0115.
    5. People within the 12-month postpartum period beginning the month after the pregnancy ends whose net countable income is equal to or below 210 percent FPL at the time of application, as described in WAC 182-505-0115.
    6. Children age 18 or younger in households with net countable income which is equal to or below 210 percent FPL as described in WAC 182-505-0210.
    7. Children age 18 or younger in households with net countable income that is greater than 210 percent but equal to or below 312 percent FPL, as described in WAC 182-505-0215. Children who are eligible under this section are subject to premiums as described in WAC 182-505-0225.
  2. Household size for a person who is subject to MAGI income methodologies is determined according to WAC 182-506-0010.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-509-0310 MAGI income -- Timing of income.

WAC 182-509-0310 MAGI income -- Timing of income.

Effective January 9, 2014.

For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (WAH) (see WAC 182-509-0300):

  1. The agency uses a point-in-time estimate to determine a person's countable income.
  2. Point-in-time means that the income is received, or is likely to be received, in the month in which the person submits an application or renewal for WAH, or the month in which the agency completes a redetermination of coverage, with the following provisions:
    1. When a person is paid less frequently than on a monthly basis, (for example, they are self-employed), the agency uses an average to calculate the monthly amount. The average is calculated by:
      1. Adding the total income for representative period of time;
      2. Dividing by the number of months in the time frame; and
      3. Using the result as a monthly average.
    2. When a person is paid more frequently than on a monthly basis, the agency uses the following budgeting method to calculate a monthly amount:
      1. If the person is paid weekly, the agency multiplies weekly expected income by 4.3;
      2. If the person is paid every other week, the agency multiplies expected income by 2.15.
    3. If the person's current income does not represent his or her projected income as evidenced by clear indications of future changes in income, the agency permits the person to estimate a monthly amount by averaging income over a representative period of time.
  3. If the person normally gets the income:
    1. On a specific day, the agency counts it as available on that date.
    2. Monthly or twice monthly and pay dates change due to a reason beyond the person's control, such as a weekend or holiday, it is counted in the month it would normally be received.
    3. Weekly or every other week and pay dates change due to a reason beyond the person's control, it is counted in the month it would normally be received.
  4. For information about how income is verified, see WAC 182-503-0050.
  5. If the person reports a change in income as required under WAC 182-504-0105 and the change is expected to last for two months or longer, the agency updates the estimate of income based on this change, unless the person receives categorically needy WAH coverage as a pregnant woman or child.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-509-0315 MAGI income -- Ownership of income.

WAC 182-509-0315 MAGI income -- Ownership of income.

Effective January 9, 2014.

  1. For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (WAH) (see WAC 182-509-0300) income is considered available to a person if:
    1. An individual in the person's medical assistance unit receives or can reasonably predict that he or she will receive the income.
    2. The income must be counted based on rules under chapter 182-509 WAC.
    3. The person has control over the income, which means the income is available to them. If the person has a representative payee, protective payee, or other individual who manages the income on the person's behalf, it is considered as if the person has control over this income.
    4. The person can use the income to meet current needs.
  2. Income that is included in the person's taxable gross income which is required to be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considered as available even if it is paid to someone else or withheld to pay a garnishment, lien or other obligation. (For example, a person manages a block of apartments and lives in one of the apartments. The employer withholds a portion of the person's monthly wages as rent due for the apartment in which he resides. The income that is counted is the gross amount prior to the deduction for rent.)
  3. The agency may conduct post-eligibility reviews of health care applications as described in WAC 182-503-0050. Upon request by the agency, a person must provide proof about a type of income, including submitting clarification on:
    1. Who owns the income;
    2. Who has legal control of the income;
    3. The amount of the income; or
    4. If the income is available.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

Individuals have the option to report their income that is most representative of their current circumstances.

Example 1

A fisherman works seasonally during the summer months and his family lives off his income the rest of the year. In his case, it is in his best interest to average his income over the course of the year to determine eligibility.

Example 2

An individual was employed and lost her job. She is now receiving unemployment compensation and actively looking for work. Because her income has changed and she cannot anticipate her future earnings, it is in her best interest to report her current unemployment benefits.

Example 3

An individual receives infrequent disbursements from an IRA as his sole source of income. Because this income is received infrequently but will continue, it is in his best interest to average this income over a period of time or take a yearly average.

WAC 182-509-0320 MAGI income -- Noncountable income.

WAC 182-509-0320 MAGI income -- Noncountable income.

Effective September 18, 2020.

For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (see WAC 182-509-0300):

  1. Some types of income are not counted when determining eligibility for MAGI-based apple health. Under the MAGI income methodology described in WAC 182-509-0300, income is not counted if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permits it to be excluded or deducted for purposes of determining the tax liability of a person. (See 26 U.S.C. Sections 62(a) and 101-140.)
  2. Examples of income that are not counted include, but are not limited to:
    1. Bona fide loans, except certain student loans as specified under WAC 182-509-0335;
    2. Federal income tax refunds and earned income tax credit payments for up to 12 months from the date received;
    3. Child support payments received by any person included in household size under WAC 182-506-0010;
    4. Nontaxable time loss benefits or other compensation received for sickness or injury, such as benefits from the department of labor and industries (L&I) or a private insurance company;
    5. Title IV-E and state foster care and adoption support maintenance payments;
    6. Veteran's benefits including, but not limited to, disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to the veteran or family members; education, training and subsistence; benefits under a dependent-care assistance program for veterans, housebound allowance and aid and attendance benefits;
    7. Money withheld from a benefit to repay an overpayment from the same income source;
    8. One-time payments issued under the Department of State or Department of Justice reception and replacement programs, such as Voluntary Agency (VOLAG) payments;
    9. Nontaxable income from employment and training programs;
    10. Any portion of income used to repay the cost of obtaining that income source;
    11. Insurance proceeds or other income received as a result of being a Holocaust survivor;
    12. Federal economic stimulus payments that are excluded for federal and federally assisted state programs;
    13. Income from a sponsor given to a sponsored immigrant;
    14. Fringe benefits provided on a pretax basis by an employer, such as transportation benefits or moving expenses;
    15. Employer contributions to certain pretax benefits funded by an employee's elective salary reduction, such as amounts for a flexible spending account;
    16. Distribution of pension payments paid by the employee (such as premiums or contributions) that were previously subject to tax;
    17. Gifts as described in IRS Publication 559; Survivors, Executors, and Administrators;
    18. Cash or noncash inheritances, except that the agency counts income produced by an inheritance;
    19. Death benefits from life insurance and certain benefits paid for deaths that occur in the line of duty;
    20. Working families' tax credit payments under RCW 82.08.0206; and
    21. Other payments that are excluded from income under state or federal law.
  3. Income received from other agencies or organizations as needs-based assistance is not countable income under this section.
    1. "Needs-based" means eligibility for the program is based on having limited income, or resources, or both. Examples of needs-based assistance are:
      1. Clothing;
      2. Food;
      3. Household supplies;
      4. Medical supplies (nonprescriptions);
      5. Personal care items;
      6. Shelter;
      7. Transportation; and
      8. Utilities (e.g. lights, cooking fuel, the cost of heating or heating fuel).
    2. Needs-based cash programs include, but are not limited to, the following apple health programs:
      1. Diversion cash assistance (DCA);
      2. Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF);
      3. State family assistance (SFA);
      4. Pregnant women's assistance (PWA);
      5. Refugee cash assistance (RCA);
      6. Aged, blind, disabled cash assistance (ABD); and
      7. Supplemental security income (SSI).

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information

Noncountable income is income that is not taxable under the Internal Revenue Code and noncountable for MAGI-based eligibility. Additionally needs-based income is also excluded such as payments from: 

  • Lived Experience (or Community) Compensation. This program allows low-income and community members with relevant lived experience to be compensated for their task force work, including a stipend of up to $200 per day and reimbursement of travel, childcare and lodging costs. Payments come from Washington state agencies.

WAC 182-509-0325 MAGI income -- Unearned income.

WAC 182-509-0325 MAGI income -- Unearned income.

Effective January 9, 2014.

For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (WAH) (see WAC 182-509-0300):

  1. Unearned income is income received from a source other than employment or self-employment. Examples of unearned income include, but are not limited to:
    1. Tier 1 Railroad Retirement;
    2. Unemployment compensation, except as described in WAC 182-509-0320;
    3. Title II Social Security benefits (including retirement benefits, disability benefits, and benefits for survivors);
    4. Rental income;
    5. Pensions, IRAs, military retirement and annuity payments, except as described in WAC 182-509-0320;
    6. Dividend payments from stocks or shares held in companies; and
    7. Per capita distributions from gaming made by a tribe (see WAC 182-509-0340).
  2. When the unearned income must be counted, the agency counts the gross amount before any taxes or premiums are taken out.
  3. See WAC 182-509-0320 for examples of unearned income that are not counted.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-509-0330 MAGI income -- Earned income.

WAC 182-509-0330 MAGI income -- Earned income.

Effective January 9, 2014.

For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (WAH) (see WAC 182-509-0300):

  1. Earned income is income received from working. This includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Wages;
    2. Salaries;
    3. Tips;
    4. Commissions;
    5. Profits from self-employment activities as described in WAC 182-509-0365; and
    6. One-time payments for work done over a period of time, if the income is received in the month of application.
  2. When earned income must be counted, the agency computes the countable amount based on deductions from income allowed by the Internal Revenue Service when determining a person's tax liability.
  3. See WAC 182-509-0370 for information on how self-employment income is counted.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

WAC 182-509-0335 MAGI income -- Educational benefits.

WAC 182-509-0335 MAGI income -- Educational benefits.

Effective September 18, 2020.

For purposes of determining eligibility for modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)–based Washington apple health (see WAC 182-509-0300), the agency or its designee does not count educational benefits as income when they are used for education expenses, unless the educational benefits are used for living expenses. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  1. Educational assistance in the form of grants or loans issued under Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments (Title IV - HEA) or through a program administered by the Department of Education (DOE), such as:
    1. Pell grants (Title IV);
    2. Stafford loans (Title IV);
    3. Perkins loan program (Title IV);
    4. State need grant program (Title IV); and
    5. Training programs administered by the Department of Education (DOE).
  2. Payments received for education, training, or subsistence under any law administered by the department of Veteran's Affairs (VA).
  3. Student financial assistance provided under the Bureau of Indian Affairs education programs.
  4. Educational assistance in the form of grants or loans under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, P.L. 101-392.
  5. Work study income including:
    1. Federal or state work study income; and
    2. WorkFirst work study income.
  6. Payments to service academy cadets at a military academy.
  7. Payments for the purposes of tuition made on behalf of the individual to an educational organization for the education or training of such individual.

This is a reprint of the official rule as published by the Office of the Code Reviser. If there are previous versions of this rule, they can be found using the Legislative Search page.

Clarifying information 

Educational benefits are not countable when they are used for educational expenses and not for living expenses. Work study can be taxable income, but it is not countable if it is used for educational expenses.

For more information on income, please see Income (part 2).

Health Insurance Premium program

Revised date
Purpose statement

Provide information about the Premium Payment program that may reimburse premiums for private health insurance coverage for those receiving Apple Health (Medicaid), WAC 182-558.

Clarifying Information

Payment of Private Health Insurance Premiums

HCA has a Premium Payment program to help pay for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) individuals' private health insurance premiums. For those that have access to private health insurance, the agency may pay premiums for the entire family as long as someone has Apple Health (either MAGI-based or Classic Medicaid). Insurance policies covered include:

  • Private health insurance (plans purchased through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange or the Washington Healthplanfinder receiving Premium Tax Credits are not eligible for reimbursement).
  • Employer sponsored insurance made available through your employment
  • COBRA continuing your job's health insurance if you become unemployed

The program does not apply to Medicare-eligible individuals.

How to Apply

  1. Individuals or workers can call the toll-free line at 800-562-3022 Ext 15473
  2. Or visit and download the application at the HCA website.
  3. Any applicant who declares ‘other medical coverage’ on the Medicaid application must complete the DSHS 14-194 Medical Coverage Information form.

Making a Referral for a Premium

Download and complete an application for the Premium Payment program, HCA 13-705.

Mail: Send all mail requests to Premium Payment program, P.O. Box 45518 Olympia WA 98504-5518

Fax: Application may be faxed toll free to: 877-893-3810

The COB premium specialist reviews for type of program, type of insurance, medical need, and cost effectiveness of paying the individual's premium. Premium payments are prospective and cannot be retroactive for any months they were approved for Medicaid. Allow 30 days for processing. The individual will be notified by mail with a copy to the CSO.

Contact the Premium Payment program:

Melissa Bruce melissa.bruce@hca.wa.gov 800-562-3022 Ext. 15473

Early Intervention Program for HIV-AIDS clients

If an applicant who has been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS is not eligible for an Apple Health program, there is another resource available. The Department of Health HIV Client Services Program funds a contract to assist persons who have HIV and/or AIDS with ongoing private health insurance premiums, or to acquire insurance. For more information about this program contact the Early Intervention Program (EIP) at DOH at 877-376-9216, or go to HIV Client Services Program or Evergreen Health Insurance Program.

Worker Responsibilities

Premium Payment program and spenddown

Health insurance premiums being paid on an individual's behalf by the Premium Payment program at HCA are still considered an income deduction for the Medically Needy program. Indicate the amount of the health insurance premium on the MEDX screen in ACES. Medicare premiums and related coinsurance expenses are not indicated on the MEDX screen in ACES but may be applied toward spenddown as the expenses are incurred.

All Medicare premium expenses under Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D are entered as a spenddown expense in ACES online as the expenses are incurred. For initial applications, allow the first 2 months of premiums as a deduction if the individual has incurred the expense and they do not have coverage under a Medicare Savings program that is paying the expense on their behalf.

After April 2009, Medicare Part C premiums were no longer allowed as a health insurance deduction on the MEDX screen.

Some public programs use non-federal dollars to purchase private health insurance on behalf of individuals. When a public program verifies payment of a health insurance premium on behalf of a Spenddown individual, the worker needs to redetermine eligibility under the MN program using the expense as an income deduction and not a spenddown expense. In some cases, individuals will become eligible for Medically Needy (MN) with no spenddown liability and should be approved for a 12 month certification. In other cases, the spenddown liability will be reduced by the health insurance premium amount. Make sure a new letter is generated to indicate this change.

Department of Health (DOH) HIV/AIDS early intervention program and the Evergreen Health Insurance program are considered public programs for spenddown. DOH will verify expenses incurred or paid by these programs on behalf of spenddown individuals. These expenses are to be used toward meeting the individual's spenddown liability.

Related Link

Premium payment program