What the changes to Apple Health mean for you
If you are enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), your coverage may be affected by House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), a new federal law passed by Congress, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA). This page is for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients.
Apple Health coverage protected for over 800 noncitizen clients
September 30: A federal court order preserves Apple Health coverage for more than 800 Washingtonians who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These individuals were set to lose coverage on October 1 under new H.R. 1 immigration‑related eligibility rules. View the announcement for more information.
What to expect from changes to Apple Health
Our main goal is to make sure that if you are eligible, you don't lose coverage or feel overburdened by the new requirements.
If your eligibility, coverage, or benefits change, we will share that information with you clearly and early, so you know what to expect.
| Topic | Change | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Refugee, asylee, or other noncitizen adult |
Eligibility: You can find more details about eligibility changes in the noncitizen fact sheet (available in 15 languages). |
October 1, 2026 |
| Work requirements |
If you are enrolled in Apple Health for Adults, you may need to work, train, or do community engagement 80 hours per month unless you meet an exemption. For more information, see the: |
January 1, 2027 |
| Six-month renewals |
If you are enrolled in Apple Health for Adults, you will be required to renew your coverage every 6 months instead of 12 months. You can find more details in the work requirements and renewals fact sheet (available in 15 languages). |
January 1, 2027 |
| Retroactive coverage changes |
Your retroactive coverage will be shortened from 3 months to:
You can find more details in the retroactive coverage fact sheet (available in 15 languages). |
January 1, 2027 |
| Cost-sharing |
If you are enrolled in Apple Health for Adults, you will have to pay up to $35 for many services. This does not include:
|
October 1, 2028 |
How to stay informed
To make sure you receive important updates:
- Check this page regularly for new information.
- Keep your contact information up to date in your Apple Health account so we can reach you. We will send you messages when there are changes to Apple Health that could affect you. Let us know whether you prefer to get our messages by mail or email.
- Check your mail and email for important updates about your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to do anything right now?
-
Keep your contact information up to date and carefully read any notices or text messages from us.
- Will my benefits change?
-
If you are eligible to keep your coverage, your benefits will stay the same as they are now. We will contact you if your benefits are going to change.
- When will changes happen?
-
- Changes to coverage for noncitizen adults take place October 1, 2026.
- Work requirements, 6 month renewals, and retroactive coverage changes take place January 1, 2027.
- Cost-sharing changes take place October 1, 2028.
- Will I lose my health care or other help?
-
You may lose Apple Health coverage if you are a noncitizen adult or do not meet the new federal work requirements. Other health plans are available through Washington Healthplanfinder.
If your Apple Health coverage is being terminated, you will receive a notice by mail or email.
- What if I am on long-term services and supports (LTSS)?
-
For information about long term care, visit the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) benefits and H.R. 1 webpage.