Changes to Apple Health:
What You Need to Know
Changes are coming to Apple Health. Here’s what you can do now.
New federal rules are changing parts of Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program. These changes may affect eligibility, renewal timelines, work requirements, and retroactive coverage for some Apple Health members.
Many details are still being developed, and guidance may continue to change. SWACH will update this page as more information becomes available from the Washington State Health Care Authority and other state partners.
Need help understanding your Apple Health coverage?
Contact a local navigator or call Washington Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633.
What is changing?
Several Apple Health changes are expected over the next year.
October 1, 2026: Changes for some lawfully present noncitizen adults
Beginning October 1, 2026, adults with certain immigration statuses may no longer be eligible for Apple Health. This may include refugees, asylees, conditional entrants, people whose deportation or removal has been withheld, victims of trafficking, VAWA self-petitioners, and parolees.
Children, pregnant individuals, and individuals within 12 months postpartum will continue to be eligible for Apple Health regardless of immigration status, if they meet all other requirements.
January 1, 2027: Work requirements for Apple Health for Adults
Beginning January 1, 2027, adults enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to work, train, or participate in community engagement for 80 hours per month, unless they meet an exemption.
Work requirements only apply to Apple Health for Adults. They do not apply to other Apple Health programs, including Apple Health for Kids, pregnancy services, or long-term care services.
January 1, 2027: Six-month renewals
Beginning in 2027, people enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of every twelve months.
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are excluded from both work requirements and the shortened six-month renewal period.
January 1, 2027: Retroactive coverage changes
Beginning January 1, 2027, retroactive coverage periods will change for all Apple Health programs. Apple Health for Adults may cover one month before the application filing date. Other Apple Health programs may cover two months before the application filing date.
Three things you can do now
Keep your contact information up to date
Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email are current so you do not miss important notices about your Apple Health coverage.
Read any notices you receive
HCA is expected to send official notices and text messages about upcoming work requirements. Check your mail and read notices carefully.
Ask for help early
If you have questions about your coverage, renewal, eligibility, or other health insurance options, reach out to a navigator, community partner, or Washington Healthplanfinder.
Where to get help
For Apple Health members ages 19 to 64
Email: askmedicaid@hca.wa.gov
Phone: 1-800-562-3022
For Apple Health members ages 65 and older
Visit: washingtonconnection.org
Phone: 1-877-501-2233
For Washington Healthplanfinder
Visit: wahealthplanfinder.org
Phone: 1-855-923-4633
For partners and organizations
For community partners
Community organizations, providers, navigators, Tribal assisters, benefits coordinators, and Community-Based Workers play an important role in helping Apple Health members understand what is changing and where to go for support.
Partners can help by:
Sharing accurate information from HCA
Encouraging clients to update their contact information
Helping people understand and respond to notices
Connecting people to enrollment and navigator support
Sharing feedback about community questions, barriers, and concerns
Signing up for updates as guidance changes
HCA is also encouraging community leaders and volunteers to become Apple Health Community Connectors to help clients apply for and renew coverage.
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