Changes to Apple Health Coverage & Eligibility
You can come to ICHS for healthcare services regardless of your insurance or personal immigration status. At ICHS, we believe healthcare is a human right, and we do not turn anyone away.
The laws regarding Apple Health (Medicaid) are changing, and your coverage could be affected if you are an adult, ages 19-64. Key dates are October 1, 2026, for people who are non-U.S. citizens, and January 1, 2027, for work requirement eligibility and enrollment changes.
It is important Apple Health has your current address. If you have moved since enrolling in Apple Health, please update your address through Washington Health Plan Finder. Login, then select ‘Report a change in income or household’. You can also call Washington Health Plan Finder Customer Support at 855-923-4633.
Open mail from Apple Health & Washington State agencies
For important updates about your Apple Health coverage, eligibility, and enrollment, be sure to open and read mail these organizations:
- Washington Health Care Authority
- Washington Health Plan Finder
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Why is Apple Health eligibility changing?
Apple Health eligibility is changing because of H.R.1, a federal law that changes qualifications for public healthcare benefits. Key dates related to Apple Health coverage eligibility changes include:
Start Date |
Changes to Apple Health & Options for Coverage |
October 1, 2026 |
Lawfully present noncitizen adults who are refugees and asylees no longer eligible for Apple Health coverage, with limited exceptions. |
November 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 |
If you are no longer eligible for Apple Health, anyone can apply for health insurance through Washington Health Plan Finder during the open enrollment period. |
January 1, 2027 |
|
October 1, 2028 |
Expect Apple Health related costs to rise with higher out-of-pocket costs for hospitalizations and co-pays. |
Apple Health (Medicaid) requirements change October 1, 2026
People whose lawfully present immigration status is listed below are no longer eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage, beginning October 1, 2026.
- Asylees / those seeking asylum in the U.S.
- Conditional entrants – refugees fleeing persecution or natural catastrophe
- Refugees
- Individuals for whom deportation or removal has been withheld
- Victims of human trafficking
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners
- Parolees including –
- Paroled people who are part of the Afghan Allies Protection Act 2006
- Afghans granted humanitarian parole between July 31, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2023
- Ukrainians granted humanitarian parole between Feb. 24, 2022 – Sept. 30-2024
For more details about Apple Health eligibility for refugees and asylum seekers, please click here for exceptions and timelines.
ICHS helps patients find healthcare benefits and access healthcare services
At ICHS, no one who needs care is turned away. Our enrollment navigators can help you qualify for new healthcare coverage. Please connect with us before your healthcare visit to discuss your options for healthcare benefits.
Apple Health eligibility & enrollment changes starting January 1, 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, adults, ages 19-64, must meet federally mandated work requirements or community engagement or have an exemption to remain enrolled in Apple Health. Apple Health work requirements include:
- Minimum monthly household income of $580, or
- Work at least 80 hours per month, or
- Enroll in an education program at least half-time, or
- Participate in work training program(s) a minimum of 80 hours per month, or
- Have a combined work, education, work training, and volunteering for a minimum of 80 hours per month
Exemptions and current month exclusions are allowed for certain individuals:
- Pregnant and postpartum
- Parents and caretakers of children under age 14 or people with disabilities
- Disabled and / or diagnosed as medically frail
- Native Americans and Alaska Natives, as well as certain other people
Additionally, Washington state and Apple Health may make allowances for hardships, which can include people undergoing medical treatment, people who must travel for medical care, people who live in communities with an unemployment rate above 8% or people who reside in or near communities where a natural disaster occurs.
Talk with ICHS enrollment navigators to find out more about Apple Health eligibility.
Starting January 1, 2027 enroll in Apple Health every 6-months
Apple Health policy regarding enrollment and reenrollment is changing from once per year to renewal every six months. This change from annual renewal to twice per year makes it easier to forget to maintain Apple Health coverage.
Legally speaking, what is H.R.1?
H.R.1 stands for House Resolution 1 of the 119th U.S. Congress (2025-‘26). It is also known as One Big, Beautiful Bill. H.R.1 is a major budget reconciliation bill focused on federal spending and tax policy. H.R.1 puts into law significant changes to Medicaid, known in Washington state as Apple Health, and the Affordable Care Act. The changes will be rolled out over a two-year period beginning October 1, 2026, through October 2028.
