During COVID, nearly everyone who qualified for Apple Health (Medicaid) were able to receive benefits without submitting an annual renewal.
Beginning April 2023, the Health Care Authority (HCA) Apple Health members will again have to renew their coverage annually.
How to Know if You Have Apple Health
Apple Health is the name for Medicaid in Washington. Apple Health is free or low-cost health insurance coverage for those who qualify. Everyone who has Apple Health will have a Blue ProviderOne Card like the one shown to the right. In almost all cases, the management of care for people with Apple Health is delegated to a Managed Care Organization (MCO). There are five MCO’s under Apple Health in Washington. They are Amerigroup Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care of Washington, Molina Healthcare of Washington, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Your Apple Health could be through any of these MCOs and you may have provided you an additional insurance card.
What Does This Mean for Apple Health Users and Why is it Important?
Everyone using Apple Health must submit information to renew their coverage. Apple Health users can only continue their coverage if they complete the renewal process on time and still qualify for Apple Health.
Patients who do not take timely action before their renewal period ends will lose their Apple Health coverage.
What Do Apple Health Members Need to Do?
Update your contact information with the Health Care Authority. Renewal information and important notices about Apple Health coverage will go to the address on file with the HCA. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date! Login to the Washington Health Plan Finder website and confirm your contact information or report a change in address. More information on how to report a change can be found on the HCA website.
Watch for renewal information – and take action! Renewal information will arrive in your mailbox the month before your renewal date. For example, patients with a renewal date in May will receive a renewal notice in April and must complete the process before their renewal date. Remember that people who do not complete the renewal process on time will lose their Apple Health Coverage.
What if I No Longer Quality for Apple Health? New Bellingham Office Location
Patients who no longer qualify for Apple Health can find an affordable plan through the Health Plan Finder. We also offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program which lowers the cost of any services you receive not covered by your insurance. Eligibility is based on household size and income and our Enrolment Specialists can help you apply.
Need Help?
Unity Care NW Enrollment Specialists are here at two convenient locations!
If you need assistance navigating the renewal process, or if you need help finding a new health plan, schedule an appointment with one of our Enrollment Specialists in Bellingham or Ferndale. These health plan experts can walk you through the system and help you find the right plan for your specific needs.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us at (360) 788-2669 and speak to one of our Enrollment Specialists or click the button below and fill out the form.