With changes coming to Medicaid at the federal level, you might be wondering about qualifying for Apple Health or your Apple Health eligibility in 2026. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Unity Care NW is proud to be part of the largest primary care network in the country, serving everyone who seeks care regardless of ability to pay. While the Apple Health landscape in 2026 is still taking shape, at Unity Care NW, we are more committed than ever to helping our patients access care and support.
Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, remains a vital resource for individuals and families in Whatcom County. While Apple Health updates are sure to come for 2026, it will continue to offer comprehensive health coverage that helps local individuals and families access to our medical, dental, behavioral health, and preventive services so that they can live healthy, productive lives.
Apple Health Updates: What Will Not Change
No matter what Medicaid updates or changes to Apple Health are coming our way, the core principle of the program will remain the same: It will continue to offer a wide range of free or low-cost services for those who qualify for Apple Health. For 2026, these will include:
- Primary and preventive care
- Hospital and emergency services
- Mental health treatment
- Dental and vision care
- Prescription medications
- Maternity and postpartum care
- Transportation to medical appointments
Those who qualify for Apple Health plans pay no monthly premiums and have minimal out-of-pocket costs for covered services, making it an essential support for often underserved members of our community.
2026 Apple Health Income Limits and Eligibility
Apple Health eligibility is determined by household income, family size, and other factors, with limits that are updated annually. Income limits for 2026 will be updated in April. We do not know what income limits will be.
Currently, the approximate monthly Apple Health income limits were:
- 1 person: as much as $1,900 per month
- 2 people: as much as $2,600 per month
- 3 people: as much as $3,300 per month
- 4 people: as much as $4,000 per month
Are you pregnant or do you have children? You can qualify at higher Apple Health income levels, and additional Apple Health programs exist for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
If you need help figuring out whether you qualify for Apple Health, we’re here for you. Unity Care NW’s enrollment specialists can explain the eligibility rules and help you with your application.
Maintaining Your Apple Health Eligibility and Coverage During Medicaid Changes
To keep your Apple Health active, you must renew your Apple Health each year. People enrolled in Apple Health will be sent renewal reminders. Responding right away will help ensure your Apple Health eligibility and coverage will stay active without any gaps.
If you move, change your phone number, or have updates to your income, report these changes right away. Unity Care NW’s enrollment specialists are available to help with Apple Care updates, renewals, and any application questions. Contact us with questions or concerns about Apple Care qualifications and eligibility.
What About WA Cares? Is it Apple Health? Not Exactly
Beginning in 2026, those who qualify can access WA Cares, the nation’s first public long-term-care insurance program. WA Cares provides financial support for services such as home care or assisted living.
While separate from Apple Health, WA Cares complements existing benefits for Washington residents planning for future care needs, operating in tandem with Apple Health as another important step toward comprehensive access to health coverage in Washington state.
Apple Health Eligibility is Access to Health Care
At Unity Care NW, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable, compassionate, and comprehensive health care. Our enrollment specialists help patients determine their Apple Health qualifications, renew coverage, and stay informed about Medicaid changes and Apple Health eligibility updates.
Unity Care NW patients can speak with an enrollment specialist by calling (360) 788-2669 or by requesting an appointment online.