Federal law is changing some Apple Health (Medicaid) rules. Not everyone will be affected and many people will see no change at all. Some changes will begin on specific dates, while others will affect you when you next renew your coverage.
Your Apple Health coverage will not automatically end because of these changes. If a change affects you, you will receive a notice explaining what is changing and what you need to do.
Some details are still being decided. Check the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Apple Health changes page for the latest updates.
Apple Health is run by HCA. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is sharing this information to help Washingtonians stay covered and connected to care. For questions about your coverage or eligibility, please contact HCA:
Apple Health Clients Ages 19-64:
askmagi@hca.wa.gov
1-800-562-3022
Apple Health Clients Ages 0-64:
Washington Healthplanfinder
1-855-923-4633
Apple Health Clients Ages 65+ or with disability or blindness:
Washington Connection
1-877-501-2233
Will My Apple Health Coverage Change?
| When | What changes | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Some adults with certain immigration statuses will no longer qualify for Apple Health | Adult noncitizens in specific status categories |
| Jan 1, 2027 | * New work and community engagement requirements | Adults on Apple Health for Adults (ages 19–64) |
| Jan 1, 2027 | * Renewals move from once a year to every 6 months | Adults on Apple Health for Adults (ages 19–64) |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Shorter retroactive coverage period | Everyone applying for any Apple Health program |
* Children's coverage, pregnancy coverage, and long-term care services are not affected by the work requirement and 6-month renewal changes.
What Should I Do Now?
Whether or not you think these changes apply to you, these steps help protect your coverage.
1. Make Sure HCA Can Reach You
Check that your phone number, email, and mailing address are correct. If notices can't reach you, you could lose your coverage without knowing.
2. Open Your Mail and Email
Official notices from HCA and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will tell you if anything changes for you and what you need to do.
Parents: if your young adult child (19 or older) has Apple Health, help them keep their contact information current and watch for notices, too. Their coverage rules may change even if yours don't.
3. Renew on Time
When your renewal notice arrives, complete it by the deadline, even if nothing about your situation has changed.
What is Changing?
- Oct 1, 2026 - Coverage changes for noncitizens
-
Starting October 1, 2026, adults with certain immigration statuses may no longer qualify for Apple Health. This includes people who are:
- Asylees
- Conditional entrants
- Refugees
- Individuals for whom deportation or removal has been withheld
- Victims of trafficking
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners
- Parolees
Who is not affected: Children, pregnant individuals, and individuals within 12 months after pregnancy continue to qualify for Apple Health regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet all other requirements.
You may still have options. You may qualify for a different kind of Apple Health coverage. And all Washingtonians can buy health and dental coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status. Financial help may be available.
If this change affects you, you will get a letter explaining what it means for your household.
- Jan 1, 2027 - Work and community engagement requirements
-
Starting January 1, 2027, most adults on Apple Health for Adults will need to work, train, or take part in community engagement for 80 hours per month to keep their coverage. This is sometimes called a "work requirement."
Activities that can count include working, going to school or job training, and volunteering.
When you need to meet it:
- If you are applying, in the month before you apply.
- If you are renewing, in any of the 6 months before your renewal.
Who is exempt:
- American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals are excluded from work requirements.
- These rules only apply to Apple Health for Adults. They do not apply to other Apple Health programs, including coverage for children, pregnancy services, or long-term care services.
- Some other adults are also exempt. HCA's work requirements page lists everyone who qualifies for an exemption.
- Jan 1, 2027 - Renewing every six months
-
Starting January 1, 2027, adults on Apple Health for Adults will need to renew their coverage every 6 months instead of once a year. This begins with your first renewal in 2027. You will get a notice when it's time.
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals are excluded from the 6-month renewal period. Other Apple Health programs are not affected by this change.
- Jan 1, 2027 - Shorter retroactive coverage
-
Retroactive coverage can pay for medical care you received before you applied for Apple Health. Starting January 1, 2027, that window is getting shorter.
- Adults ages 19-64 on Apple Health for Adults: coverage may go back 1 month before the date you applied.
- All other Apple Health programs: coverage may go back 2 months before the date you applied.
There are no exemptions. This applies to all Apple Health programs.
The way you request retroactive coverage is not changing. If you need care, apply as soon as you can so you don't lose months of coverage.
If You No Longer Qualify for Apple Health
Don't assume you'll lose coverage. If you receive a notice saying your Apple Health coverage is changing or ending, read the notice carefully. You may qualify for another Apple Health program or other health coverage.
1. Check Whether You Still Qualify for Apple Health
You may qualify for a different Apple Health program. Eligibility depends on factors such as age, income, pregnancy, disability, and other circumstances.
If you received a letter, read it carefully. It will explain what is changing and whether you need to report anything.
If your income or household has changed, report the change. A change in your situation can affect which programs you qualify for.
2. Look for Other Health Insurance
Washington Healthplanfinder offers health and dental plans. Many people qualify for financial help to lower the cost.
All Washingtonians can buy a plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.
- Open enrollment Nov 1 – Jan 15: Anyone can apply during this time.
- Special enrollment: If you lose Apple Health outside of open enrollment, you can still apply. Other life events, such as job loss, birth, adoption, or marriage, may also allow you to enroll.
Apply through Washington Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633.
Don't wait. Special enrollment periods have deadlines. Applying as soon as you know your coverage is ending can help you avoid a gap in coverage.
Additional Information
- DSHS benefits and H.R. 1 (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
- What’s changing with Apple Health (Medicaid)? (Washington State Health Care Authority)