Washington Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Apple Health is Washington State's name for Medicaid. The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers Apple Health under the Washington State Medicaid Authority. Washington expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and was among the early expansion states. As of 2026, approximately 1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health, representing about 22% of the state's population — down from a pandemic-era peak of roughly 1.9 million as continuous coverage protections have unwound nationally.
Work requirements begin January 2027 for Apple Health for Adults
H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) requires most adults ages 19–64 covered through Apple Health for Adults (the expansion group) to show at least 80 hours a month of work, school, community service, or a combination of these — or qualify for an exemption — to keep coverage. New applicants must meet the requirement starting January 1, 2027; current members are affected starting with their next renewal in 2027. Washington's Health Care Authority (HCA) is notifying affected members. Visit hca.wa.gov/apple-health for current guidance.
What is Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program?
Apple Health covers medical care, dental, vision, prescriptions, behavioral health services, and long-term services and supports for qualifying residents. The federal government and Washington State share the cost, with the federal share typically running between 50% and 65% depending on the coverage group.
MAGI-based Apple Health — covering most adults, children, and pregnant people — has no asset test. Assets such as savings accounts, vehicles, and home equity are not counted in the income-based eligibility determination. Long-term care programs administered through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) have separate financial eligibility rules.
How Apple Health is delivered: managed care and DSHS
Most Apple Health enrollees receive medical coverage through managed care organizations under contract with HCA. Managed care plans operating in Washington include Coordinated Care of Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Amerigroup Washington. Plan availability depends on the county where the enrollee lives.
Applications and eligibility determinations are handled through the Washington Healthplanfinder exchange (wahealthplanfinder.org) and through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Community Services Offices. Households where some members qualify for Apple Health and others don't can apply through Washington Healthplanfinder, which routes members to the right program.
Apple Health for children — including coverage through the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is one of the most expansive in the country, covering children in families with income up to 312% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means children in a family of four with household income of roughly $97,000/year may still qualify.
Who qualifies for Apple Health?
Washington's income limits vary by coverage group. The main categories and their income thresholds are:
- Adults ages 19–64: at or below 138% FPL — approximately $21,597/year for a single person (2025 FPL base)
- Children ages 0–18 (Apple Health for Kids): up to 312% FPL — among the highest child income limits in the country
- Pregnant individuals: up to 193% FPL for full Apple Health coverage
- Parents and caretaker relatives: generally at or below 138% FPL
- Individuals receiving SSI: automatically eligible
- People with disabilities: various programs including Community First Choice for in-home care
- Seniors and adults needing long-term care: separate functional and financial eligibility through ALTSA
Source: Washington HCA Apple Health eligibility guidelines. Income figures reflect 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level applied at the stated percentages. Verify current limits at hca.wa.gov/apple-health/apply-coverage.
Apple Health for Kids: Washington's CHIP program
Washington operates its CHIP program as an expansion of Apple Health. Children who qualify through CHIP income ranges are enrolled directly in Apple Health — there is no separate CHIP card or application process. The program covers children up to 312% FPL with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and prescription coverage. Most enrolled children pay no premium.
Washington's 312% FPL limit for children is substantially higher than most states. It means a child in a family of four earning up to approximately $97,000 per year may qualify. Verify current eligibility at Washington Healthplanfinder.
Apple Health (Washington Medicaid)
Visit the official Washington Medicaid website Check your Apple Health eligibilityRelated guides
What Is Medicaid?
An overview of how the program works, who runs it, and who it covers.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →