The Washington Apple Health Renewal Impacts roughly 300,000 on coverage. Here’s what you need to know:

 
 

What is Apple Health? 

Apple Health, also known as Washington Medicaid, is comprised of coverage that can be enrolled by a Managed Care Organization such as Molina, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care and Amerigroup. 

Background 

Roughly 300,000 Washingtonians, with 45,000 in the BHT service area, will need to update their coverage in the next twelve months, and terminations for non-renewal start May 31, 2023. While many are partnered with Navigators at organizations like CHAS, Columbia Basin Health Association, and Providence and can receive direct outreach from their Navigator, around two-thirds of those affected are not. 

We need your help to spread the word about this change and make sure no one loses coverage.

Under the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Health Care Authority (HCA) had extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) recipients during the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID. HCA is now resuming normal operations as of April 1, 2023, and that will mean a large number of Apple Health users will have their applications reevaluated, and could lose coverage.

What can I do? 

Washington Apple Health will contact you with details about renewal or redetermination. It is important your contact information is current.

Keep an eye out for your renewal documents in the mail.  

Read all notices you see, and take action within the renewal period to avoid a gap in coverage or losing coverage. On Washington Healthplanfinder, customers have 60 days from the last day of coverage. Customers who lose WAH eligibility are eligible for a special enrollment period and can enroll in other coverage.  

Be aware of Medicaid renewal scams 

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension has now ended due to the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2023 and HCA resumed normal operations on April 1, 2023. 

Reports of fake texts and phone calls to Medicaid clients have been reported over the past couple weeks in other states. We’re asking Apple Health clients to be aware of suspicious contact seeking money to maintain their health coverage. 

  • HCA will never ask for money to enroll or re-enroll in Apple Health coverage 

  • Clients should not share banking or credit card information with anyone claiming to be from HCA or Apple Health. If they receive a phone call or text message they think is a scam, they should hang up and report this to Apple Health customer service at 1-800-562-3022. 

What types of coverage options are there? 

  • Washington Apple Health : If you continue to meet eligibility requirements, you can stay on WAH. You will need to complete your renewal on a yearly basis and report any changes like address, household size, and income. 

  •  Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI): If your employer offers health insurance, losing WAH may allow you to enroll in their plan.  

  • Qualified Healthplan (QHP): If you are no longer eligible for WAH, you can enroll in a QHP. Financial assistance is available for many households. 

  • Medicare:  Medicare: For questions about Medicare or Medicare enrollment, contact the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) at 1-800-562-6900, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1- 800-633-4227). You may also qualify for other Apple Health coverage or help paying for Medicare premium(s). Apply with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) online at washingtonconnection.org or call 1-877-501-2233. 

     

    If your child has Washington Apple Health with Premiums, also known as CHIP, premium collection will begin again in July. Look out for important information about how to pay your premium! 

Where can I go for help? 

Talk to a Navigator. Navigators can help you update your application and explain eligibility and coverage options. Getting help from a Navigator is free.