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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

Archives for March 2023

Apple Health extended coverage to end

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During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension is now ending due to the Consolidated Appropriation Act (CAA) of 2023, and clients’ extended coverage will be affected. The HCA estimates 300,000 clients around the state may no longer qualify for Apple Health, but may be eligible for other insurance coverage.

HCA is resuming normal eligibility beginning April 1, 2023. Clients will receive a renewal notice prior to the end of their renewal period sometime over the next 12 months, based on a client’s renewal date.

Anticipated timeline for the end of the extended coverage:

  • Now – April 2023: clients can report a change (status, income, address, etc.)
  • April 2023 – April 2024: the HCA processes redeterminations
  • June 2023 – May 2024: some individuals and families will transition to other medical coverage.

If you receive Apple Health (Medicaid):

  • Make sure your contact information is up-to-date at www.wahealthplanfinder.org
  • Watch for renewal notices and take timely action to keep your coverage

Find a free Navigator at these locations:

  • Sea Mar Community Health Center https://www.seamar.org/open-enrollment.html
    • Skagit: Concrete Clinic and Mount Vernon Clinic
    • Snohomish: Everett, Marysville, and Monroe clinics
    • Whatcom: Bellingham and Everson Clinic
  • Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital
  • Unity Care NW
    • Bellingham and Ferndale clinics (360) 788-2669
  • Community Health Center of Snohomish County
  • Providence Health and Services (425) 261-4009
  • Resource Corporation of America (425) 263-8750

If you are a healthcare or community-based organization:

The HCA is seeking community organizations and influencers to act as volunteer Apple Health ambassadors. Ambassadors will work to ensure that Apple Health clients have the information and resources needed to maintain coverage at the end of the continuous coverage requirement period.

How can you spread the word? You can share information at work with coworkers and clients, at your next church service, community event, or school event. You can use their social media toolkit (https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/free-or-low-cost/end-of-phe-social-media-toolkit.pdf) with approved posts you can share on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. North Sound ACH is also developing a social media tool kit that you are welcome to use.

  • March 27

The HCA is hosting monthly webinars for Ambassador updates – find dates and registration at https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/apple-health-medicaid/apple-health-ambassador-program

Find more information at these links:

Caring is Critical to Belonging

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In mid-February, former President Jimmy Carter opted for hospice care, and the media immediately began writing eulogies and obituaries, as if entering hospice means that death is imminent. In the statement from the family, “the decision was made after a series of short hospital stays.” It reminded me of my dad, who also chose hospice after a hospital stay where he realized that for him at 96, there was no cure for what was happening with his body. He wanted to be seen as a whole human being, and not as a patient who was dying. He wanted to live the rest of his life in peace, with family, in comfort, surrounded by caring individuals. He enrolled in hospice and lived for another 16 months. Eight years earlier my mom also chose hospice, but she had to advocate for it within her health system, and was so relieved after doing so. The reason she had to fight for it: her clinical team was afraid that she would give up her will to live if hospice was presented to her as an option.

I think sometimes we forget that being inside of a medical-treatment and cure-focused system is exhausting and takes its own toll on those who want a more peaceful arc to their lives. I’ve been thinking of the Carter family a lot this week, especially with the more recent news that the former president is ‘doing well’ in hospice, and I applaud their bravery in sending these messages out publicly.

How does this relate to North Sound ACH and its themes of belonging, targeted universalism, and equity? It is about how we belong to and with another, how we provide care and nourishment to each other, and how we make each person be seen in their total humanity, leaving space for our uniqueness and our commonality.

Imagine if we could do that in all facets of our lives, not just the final days, but every day? If those themes of caring, without thinking of cures, could extend to our policies around housing, employment, food security, immigration, transportation, health, and yes – even health care. If we can bridge themes of leading with belonging, humanity and love, we can accomplish so much more than by crafting more boxes, eligibility criteria, and rules that allow some people access while denying access to others.

Our histories differ, our current situations differ, and our access to meeting our vital needs differ. What we hold in common is our humanity, the fact that we are here and part of the fabric of our communities, and we will not heal if we allow portions of that fabric to continue to fray. For us to create a space where all belong, we must truly see and welcome everyone in the common space.

Be well,

Desfibrilador y Primeros Auxilios – Lopez Island features CPR class in Spanish

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In winter 2023, Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC), United General #304, and La Cima Lopez hosted a Spanish language CPR/AED/First Aid training on Lopez Island.

The Hispanic community on Lopez Island shared with Karina E. Cerda Aguirre, who works with LIFRC, that there was a great need to have this type of knowledge, due to events that had occurred.

“This course was a great success since all the people who took it here on López are very happy and grateful since some of them wanted to have it before, due to their own incidents, family or friends, and having taken it gave them great security and confidence,” Karina shared. “We believe that these courses make all of us and our community stronger!”

A student practices CPR at the Spanish class at Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Provided by LIFRC.

After obtaining support from the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, organizers wanted to include the La Cima youth leaders since they speak both languages, and because they showed great interest in taking the course and helping people too. Gabe Evenson of United General #304 was the instructor.

Most Hispanic families on Lopez could not take other CPR classes, due to lack of 100% understanding of the English language, but if it were offered in Spanish, they would be happy to participate and learn important skills to keep our community safe and healthy. It also provided confidence and empowerment to Hispanics knowing that they are included in this type of opportunity.

LIFRC hopes to offer another class on Lopez, and involve people from other San Juan Islands.  They hope that someone on Lopez will become a certified CPR trainer in Spanish so more people can be trained.  And that they will have bi-lingual, bi-cultural, Spanish speaking community members work for Lopez EMS someday.


Karina added her thanks to North Sound ACH and our network of partners. “Without your help, we cannot carry out many of our projects with the Latino community of Lopez.”

A student practices CPR at the Spanish class at Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Provided by LIFRC.
Students practicing CPR at the Spanish class at Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Provided by LIFRC.