Changes to Apple Health (Medicaid)

Changes Are Coming to Apple Health (Medicaid): What You Need to Know for 2027

Apple Health helps many people in Washington get medical care, mental health care, and substance use treatment. New federal Medicaid requirements will make changes to some of the Apple Health (Medicaid) programs over the next year.

Some details are still be finalized, but there are steps you can take now to help protect your Apple Health benefits. 

The Most Important Thing You Can Do Right Now

Make sure your contact information is up to date with the state.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will send important information about your Apple Health coverage by mail, phone, email, and text message.

If your contact information is not current, you could miss important notices about your benefits.

To make updates or changes visit 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.

Check that your mailing address, phone number, and email address are current.

Who Is Affected?

Most of these changes affect adults ages 19 to 64 who receive Apple Health based on their income.

These changes do not affect:

  • Most children 
  • Seniors 
  • Many other Apple Health programs
  • Pregnancy coverage
  • Coverage during the first 12 months after pregnancy

What Is Changing?

Several Apple Health (Medicaid) changes are scheduled to take effect beginning in October1st, 2026 and January 1st, 2027. 

These changes include: 

  • New work requirements for some adults 
  • More frequent renewals 
  • Changes for some people with certain immigration statuses

Work and Community Engagement Requirements

Starting January 1, 2027, some adults with Apple Health will need to renew their coverage every six months. They will also need to meet work requirements unless they qualify for an exemption. 

Many people will not have to meet the work requirements. Certain individuals eligible for Apple Health for Adults do NOT need to meet work requirements. Click here to see the list of exemptions. 

HCA has confirmed that people with a serious mental health condition or substance use disorder may qualify from the work requirements. 
If you receive mental health or substance use treatment, talk with your care team about whether you qualify for an exemption.  
 

Renewals Every Six Months

Beginning in 2027, many adults enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once per year.

This means it will be more important than ever to:

  • Watch for renewal notices
  • Complete renewal paperwork on time
  • Respond promptly if additional information is requested

HCA will begin sending official notices and text messages about upcoming work requirements in September 2026. Be sure to check your mail and read these notices carefully.

Changes for Some Noncitizens

Starting October 1, 2026, some people with certain immigration statuses may no longer qualify for Apple Health (Medicaid). The state will contact anyone who may be affected. 

Steps to Protect Your Coverage

  1. Keep Your Contact Information Current: Make sure your address, phone number, and email address are up to date with the state.

  2. Open and Read Every Notice: Watch for mail, email, texts, and other messages from HCA regarding your Apple Health coverage.
  3. Renew on Time: Complete your renewal as soon as possible to help avoid gaps in benefits. 

  4. Save Important Documents: Save renewal notices, pay stubs, school records, and other paperwork you may need.

  5. Review Requirements and Exemptions: Learn about the new rules and exemptions to see if they apply to you. 

Compass Health Is Here to Help

Changes to Apple Health coverage can feel confusing, but you do not have to navigate them alone.

Compass Health can help connect you with resources, answer questions about renewal notices, and provide information about available support services. If you receive paperwork or notices regarding your Apple Health coverage, we encourage you to bring them to your care team or contact us for assistance.

Need Help? Contact your Compass Health care team today.

Resources to Learn More

For more information on upcoming changes to Apple Health (Medicaid) view the resources below:

Information and requirements may continue to evolve as federal and state implementation guidance is finalized. Please refer to official state resources for the latest updates.