How to Renew Washington Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Washington HCA renews Apple Health eligibility once per year through a redetermination process. For most members, HCA first attempts an ex parte renewal — using electronic data from the SSA, IRS, and Washington state wage records to verify eligibility without requiring the member to take action. If the ex parte check confirms eligibility, coverage is renewed automatically.
Annual
Renewal frequency
Washington Healthplanfinder
Online renewal portal (wahealthplanfinder.org)
90 days
Deadline to request a fair hearing
Apple Health renews annually — update your contact information in Washington Healthplanfinder
HCA sends Apple Health renewal notices through Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org). Members who have not logged in or updated their contact information may miss renewal notices and have coverage terminated. Log in at wahealthplanfinder.org to view your renewal date and update your information at any time.
How Washington renews Apple Health coverage
When electronic data is insufficient or inconclusive, HCA sends a renewal notice through Washington Healthplanfinder and by mail. Members must respond within the stated deadline, typically 30 days, or risk termination. Termination is not permanent; members can reapply through Healthplanfinder at any time.
How to complete your Apple Health renewal
Follow these steps to complete your renewal.
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1
Log in to Washington Healthplanfinder
Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to check your renewal status and date. You will receive a notification when a renewal action is needed. Paper notices are also mailed to the address on file.
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2
Update your household information
Confirm or update your address, income, household members, and contact information. Inaccurate information can trigger a manual review or termination.
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3
Provide documentation if requested
If HCA cannot verify income electronically, you may be asked to upload documents — pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax records, or a signed income attestation form.
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4
Submit your renewal by the deadline
Online submission through Healthplanfinder is the fastest option. You can also call 1-855-923-4633 or visit a DSHS Community Services Office to submit by phone or in person.
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5
Confirm approval and check your plan
After renewal, verify that your Apple Health managed care plan is still correct. If your plan has changed, Healthplanfinder will show your new plan information.
Documents you may need for Apple Health renewal
HCA may ask you to verify current information at renewal.
- Recent pay stubs (one or two months)
- Self-employment income documentation or tax return
- Social Security or SSI award letter
- Proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, DSHS mail)
- Updated household size information (births, new household members)
Your rights if Apple Health coverage is terminated
Washington must give advance notice before terminating Apple Health coverage. If you receive a termination notice and believe you still qualify, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days. If you request the hearing before the termination date, your coverage must remain in place while the hearing is pending — this is called "aid continuing."
Report income changes throughout the year — don't wait for renewal. If your income or household size changes significantly during the year, report it through Healthplanfinder promptly. Washington uses these updates to determine whether you still qualify for Apple Health or should transition to a subsidized private plan; earlier reporting avoids a larger eligibility discrepancy at annual renewal.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, federal law prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid. When that protection ended, states conducted a mass redetermination known as the "unwinding." If you lost Washington Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible — contact Apple Health to reapply.
If your renewal is denied
A denial must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing. File the appeal quickly — if you appeal before your coverage ends, you may be able to continue coverage during the appeal period, though this depends on timing and the reason for denial.
Common renewal denials include income that increased above the threshold, failure to respond to the renewal packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Some of these can be addressed by reapplying with updated information rather than appealing.
Keeping your account information up to date
The most effective way to avoid renewal problems is to report changes promptly. Changes to report include a new job or income change, a move to a new address, a change in household size (new baby, someone moves in or out), and gaining or losing other health coverage.
Contact Apple Health or update your information through the online portal at hca.wa.gov.
Apple Health (Washington Medicaid)
- Washington Healthplanfinder: wahealthplanfinder.org
- Apple Health customer service: 1-855-923-4633
- Washington Health Care Authority: hca.wa.gov