Apple Health Facts
Apple Health is Washington State’s free or low-cost health insurance program, also known as Medicaid. It helps eligible residents get important health care services without high costs.
Read our Washington Apple Health frequently asked questions below for general Apple Health facts and information. To learn more or to find out if you’re eligible for Apple Health, Unity Care NW has Enrollment Specialists standing by to help.
Federal changes to Apple Health are on the way. See Changes Coming to Apple Health (Medicaid) below to learn what to expect and how we can help.
Changes Coming to Apple Health (Medicaid)
A federal law passed in 2025, called H.R. 1, is changing some Apple Health (Medicaid) rules. Not everyone will be affected, and many people will not see any change at all.
If a change does affect you, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) will send you a notice that explains what you need to do.
Your care at Unity Care NW can continue, even if your Apple Health coverage changes.
Our Enrollment Specialists are here to answer your questions and help you with each step.
Frequently Asked Questions about Upcoming Changes
What is changing, and when?
The changes will happen in stages over the next few years:
October 1, 2026: Eligibility rules change for some refugee, asylee, and other noncitizen adults.
January 1, 2027: Most adults ages 19 to 64 on Apple Health for Adults will need to meet new work requirements or qualify for an exemption.
January 1, 2027: Adults on Apple Health for Adults will renew their coverage every 6 months instead of every 12 months.
October 1, 2028: Some adults on Apple Health for Adults may have to pay up to $35 for certain services.
Many details are still being worked out by the state. We will update this page as we learn more.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Will my Apple Health change on October 1, 2026?
It depends on your immigration status, and the rules are complex. If you are a refugee, asylee, or other noncitizen adult with Apple Health, please call our Enrollment team at (360) 788-2669. They can help you understand your coverage and look at other ways to pay for care.
We cannot offer legal or immigration advice, but we can help you find organizations that can.
HCA also has a fact sheet about these changes in 15 languages on its Changes Coming to Apple Health webpage.
No matter what happens with your coverage, you can keep getting care at Unity Care NW.
Who has to meet the new work requirements?
Starting January 1, 2027, the work requirements apply only to Apple Health for Adults. This is the program for adults ages 19 - 64 who do not have Medicare and meet certain income requirements. See Who Can Get Apple Health below for more information.
The work requirements do not apply to:
· Children
· Pregnancy coverage
· Long-term care
· People on SSI, TANF, or Aged, Blind, or Disabled benefits
· People on any other Apple Health program
How can I meet the work requirements?
The state also calls this “community engagement.” You can meet the requirements in any one of these ways:
You have at least $580 in monthly household income. If you do seasonal work, your income can average $580 a month over 6 months.
You are enrolled in school or another education program at least half-time.
You take part in a work program for at least 80 hours a month.
You do at least 80 hours of community service volunteering a month. Local opportunities can be found at The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County.
You combine work, school, a work program, and community service to reach at least 80 hours a month.
When you apply for the first time, you need to meet the requirements, or qualify for an exemption, in the month before you apply.
If you’re renewing existing coverage, you need to meet the requirements in either the month before you apply or one of any of the 6 months before your renewal.
Who does not have to meet the work requirements?
You do not have to meet the work requirements if any of these are true for you:
You are pregnant, or it has been less than 12 months since your pregnancy ended.
You are under age 19.
You are in foster care, or you were in foster care and are under age 26.
You are American Indian or Alaska Native, or part of certain Tribal groups.
You are a parent, caretaker, or guardian of a child under age 14.
You are a parent, caretaker, or guardian of a person with a disability.
Someone in your household gets SNAP (Basic Food) or TANF (cash assistance).
You have Medicare Part A or Part B.
You are in jail or prison, or you were released within the last 90 days.
You are considered medically frail.
You are in treatment for alcohol or substance use.
You are a veteran with a 100% total disability rating.
You are going through a short-term hardship.
The details for each exemption are still being finalized. An Enrollment Specialist can help you find out if one applies to you.
What does renewing every 6 months mean for me?
Right now, most people renew their Apple Health once a year.
Starting in 2027, people on Apple Health for Adults will renew every 6 months. This change starts at your first renewal in 2027.
For example, if you are approved for Apple Health for Adults on February 1, 2027, your coverage will last until July 31, 2027. Under the old rules, it would have lasted until January 31, 2028.
The way you renew is not changing. The state will still try to renew your coverage on its own first. If it can’t, you will get a notice asking you to take action to keep your coverage.
American Indian and Alaska Native people will keep their 12-month coverage periods.
Will Apple Health still pay for medical bills from before I applied?
Sometimes, yes. When you apply, Apple Health can help pay for care you got in the months before you applied. This is called retroactive coverage.
Starting January 1, 2027, Apple Health for Adults will cover 1 month before you apply, instead of 3 months.
Other Apple Health programs will cover 2 months, instead of 3. If you have medical bills, it is a good idea to apply as soon as you can.
Will I have to pay for my care?
Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Apple Health for Adults may have to pay up to $35 for certain services. This cost will not apply to primary care, behavioral health, or emergency care. The state will share more details closer to that date.
What should I do right now?
Most people do not need to do anything today. You’ll be mailed a letter giving you notice and you’ll have 60 days before your renewal date to respond.
Here are some simple ways to get ready while you wait:
Check your address, phone number, and email up to date with Washington Healthplanfinder, so you get every notice.
Open and read all mail and email from the Health Care Authority or Washington Healthplanfinder.
Keep pay stubs, school records, or a log of your volunteer hours in one place, in case you need them later.
Call or stop by to make sure Unity Care NW has your current contact information, too.
I got a letter about my Apple Health. What should I do?
Read it carefully and look for any deadline.
Some letters ask you to send information or take action by a certain date.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Call our Enrollment team at (360) 788-2669, or bring the letter to your next visit. An Enrollment Specialist can go over it with you and help you plan your next steps. Interpreter services are available at no cost.
If my Apple Health changes, can I still get care at Unity Care NW?
Yes. Your care at Unity Care NW can continue, even if your Apple Health coverage changes. If you lose coverage, you may have some costs for your visits.
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you look at other options, like our Sliding Fee Discount Program or a health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder.
More information is available on the Paying for Care at Unity Care NW page.
What Is Apple Health Insurance?
Apple Health is another name for Medicaid in Washington state.
It provides the same benefits and protections as Medicaid as a free or low-cost insurance program. You may also hear Apple Health referred to by the name one of the five Managed Care Organizations like Molina or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, that offer Apple Health plans.
How does Apple Health work?
When you qualify for Apple Health, you’ll receive a ProviderOne services card. Your care will be managed by one of five Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): Amerigroup Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. The MCO may send you an additional insurance card.
From there, using your Apple Health coverage is similar to that of any insurance company—you find an in-network care provider such as Unity Care NW, make an appointment and see your doctor or health care provider.
Who Can Get Apple Health?
Adults ages 19 to 64 with income under 138% of the federal poverty level
Parents or caretakers
Pregnant individuals
Children
Some noncitizens. These rules change on October 1, 2026. See Changes Coming to Apple Health (Medicaid) above.
People ages 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled
Income limits are updated each year. Starting January 1, 2027, most adults ages 19 to 64 will also need to meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption.
These amounts are in effect from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Income rules can be tricky, so if you are close to the limit, apply anyway or call our Enrollment team at (360) 788-2669. We can help you find out for sure. You can also see the full income chart from the Health Care Authority (PDF).
Apple Health for Adults: Monthly Income Limits
People in your household | Monthly Income Limit |
1 | $1,835 |
2 | $2,490 |
3 | $3,142 |
4 | $3,795 |
5 | $4,449 |
6 | $5,102 |
7 | $5,755 |
8 | $6,409 |
Each additional person: | Add $654 |
Which Apple Health plan is best?
Each MCO offers different benefits. Some focus on pediatric care, while others specialize in managing chronic illnesses. All MCOs are overseen by the Washington State Health Care Authority. The best plan depends on your and your family’s health needs.
What Does Apple Health Cover?
Apple Health covers a wide range of services, including:
Primary care
Emergency visits
Pediatric care
Dental visits
Maternity care
Vision care
Prescriptions, and more
The goal of Apple Health is to provide necessary medical care to those with limited income.
Does Apple Health cover dental and vision?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Apple Health and we understand why — according to the American Dental Association, there are an estimated 2 million visits to emergency rooms each year for dental pain. The good news is that Apple Health does cover adult and pediatric dental care.
Unlike many standard insurance policies which require a separate vision policy, vision coverage is included as part of Apple Health.
Does Washington Apple Health cover therapy?
Yes, Apple Health covers mental health services like therapy, inpatient care for crises, and specialized services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Can I use Washington Apple Health out of state?
Generally, Apple Health is for Washington residents and doesn’t cover services in other states.
If you’re temporarily out of state and need medical care, contact your MCO or the Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Customer Service Center for guidance.
Get Help From a Specialist
Unity Care NW has Enrollment Specialists ready to answer your questions and help with eligibility, enrollment, and renewals, including the changes coming in 2026 and 2027.
Call (360) 788-2669, to make an appointment with an Enrollment Specialist today.
You can also call the Health Care Authority’s Apple Health customer service line at 1-800-562-3022.
