Apple Health extended coverage to end

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
  • call 360-424-2613 or email exchangeinfo@skagitregionalhealth.org
• Unity Care NW
  • Bellingham and Ferndale clinics (360) 788-2669
• Community Health Center of Snohomish County
  • (425) 789-2060 and https://apple-health.chcsno.org/
• 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:

• Search for Navigators by zip code and by language https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/HBEWeb/Annon_DisplayBrokerNavigatorSearch.action?brokerNavigator=NAV
• Learn more about Apple Health and the end of the public health emergency https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/apple-health-medicaid/apple-health-and-public-health-emergency
• Help Apple Health recipients report a change in other languages https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care/update-my-income-or-address-report-change