June 20th: Enroll for Washington’s new Apple Health program, expanded to now provide low-cost health coverage to low-income immigrant families.

Washington’s most recent example of people power is the new Apple Health Expansion program – a program offering Medicaid-like health care coverage to low-income undocumented immigrants. Lea más en Español aqui .  

Starting July 1st, program participants will receive free health care benefits through the Health Care Authority. The program is open to people ages 19 and older who earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which for a family of 4 is about $43,000 per year. 

Space is very limited, but applicants can take action NOW to help secure a place in the program.

It is highly recommended that applicants prepare now by working with a navigator to verify their identity, household, and income.

Enrollment begins at 8am on June 20th. 

To enroll:

• For people ages 19 to 64, apply at WAhealthplanfinder. Applicants can also call 1-855-923-4633 or fill out a paper application in person – either way, applicants will find out immediately if they are enrolled into the program.  
• For people 65 and older, apply at Washington Connection. Applicants can also call 1-877-501-2233 or go in person to a DSHS community Service Office for aged, blind, or disabled coverage or long-term services coverage. Roughly 1,300 spots will be held for applicants over the age of 65, so they will not receive an immediate answer – this will allow more time to apply. 

Applicants do not need to have a social security number to apply and can use proof of identity documents such as a foreign-issued ID or driver’s license. Support services are available in 200 languages.  

This program should not trigger a public charge claim because it is state program. Washington state agencies will NOT share information with immigration enforcement officials.

The Apple Health Expansion program is a critical step forward to meeting the basic needs of people in our state – but we have more work to do to ensure program is fully funded. Right now, the need far surpasses available funding. Stay connected to learn about opportunities to support this program.  

Health care is a basic human right – we won’t stop until every Washingtonian can get the care they need!