Everyone who has an Apple Health plan will have a Blue ProviderOne card like this one.
Apple Health is Washington state’s program through which people who are eligible can obtain free or low-cost health insurance. It is a vital means by which those who are traditionally overlooked or underserved can access critical health care without being overly cost-burdened. While many are familiar with the existence of Apple Health, not everyone is aware of or knowledgeable about the program and what it has to offer. Read our Washington Apple Health FAQ for general Apple Health facts and information. To learn more or to find out if you’re eligible for Apple Health, Unity Care has Enrollment Specialists standing by to help.
What is Apple Health insurance? Is Washington Apple Health Medicaid?
Of all the questions we are routinely asked about Apple Health, these are the most common. Apple Health is, simply put, Washington state’s free or low-cost insurance program. And yes, Apple Health is indeed Medicaid and offers all of the coverages and protections that come with Medicaid. You may also occasionally hear Apple Health referred to by the name one of five Managed Care Organizations such as Molina or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, but all of those exist under the umbrella of Apple Health (aka Medicaid).
How does Apple Health work?
As touched on by the previous question, Apple Health delegates care to five managed care organizations in Washington: Amerigroup Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. When you qualify for Apple Health, you will be issued a ProviderOne card and your care will be assigned to one of these MCOs, who may provide you with 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, make an appointment and see your doctor or health care provider.
How to qualify for Apple Health?
Washington Apple Health is an income-limited program. To qualify, an individual adult cannot be on Medicare and must have a monthly household income under 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Income limits are determined on an annual basis. Apple Health is open to adults ages 19-65, pregnant individuals, children, noncitizens, those in foster care and other underserved groups. A Unity Care Enrollment Specialist can help you determine your eligibility.
Which Apple Health plan is best?
As with standard insurance coverage, there is no “best” plan per se. Each Managed Care Organization offers its own features and benefits. Some offer plans that excel in providing pediatric care, while others are well-suited to those whose primary health goal is to prevent and manage illness. All operate under the oversight of the Washington State Health Care Authority. The best Apple Health plan is the one that’s right for you, your health and the health of your family.
What does Apple Health cover?
Apple Health coverage is fairly comprehensive. Covered services include primary care, emergency visits, pediatric care, dental visits, maternity care, vision care, prescriptions and more. The goal of Apple Care is to help ensure that those under a certain income level can access the medical care they need.
Does Apple Health cover dental?
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 indeed cover adult and pediatric dental care.
Does Washington Apple Health cover vision?
Unlike many standard insurance policies for which vision requires an additional policy or addendum, vision coverage is included as part of Apple Health.
Does Washington Apple Health cover therapy?
Yes, Apple Health covers mental health services such as behavioral health and talk therapy as well as acute/inpatient mental health care for those in crisis, state psychiatric hospitals, specialized services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, mental health care for children, peer support and more.
Can I use Washington Apple Health out of state?
With rare exceptions, most Apple Health plans are limited to Washington residents. Apple Health recipients who are out of state temporarily and find themselves in a situation where they are in need of medical care should contact their managed care plan or the Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Customer Service Center.
Have more questions about Washington Apple Health? Unity Care has Enrollment Specialists available to help answer your inquiries as well as to assist you with eligibility requirements, enrollment and renewal. Please contact Unity Care at (360) 788-2669 or make an appointment online with an Enrollment Specialist today.