How to Apply for Medicaid in Washington 2026 (Apple Health): Eligibility & Documents

Looking for Medicaid in Washington? In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Here is who may qualify, how to apply, and the documents you need – with links to the official Washington sources. Exact income limits are set by Washington and the federal government, so always confirm on the official site.

Quick answer

To apply for Medicaid in Washington (Apple Health): Most adults and families apply through Washington Healthplanfinder online, by phone, or on paper; people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability may apply through the Health Care Authority (HCA). It is free to apply, and coverage can start quickly once you are approved.

What this program helps with

Apple Health (Medicaid) provides free or low-cost health coverage – doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive care, and more – to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities in Washington.

Who may qualify

Eligibility is based on your income (a percentage of the federal poverty level), household size, and category. Children, pregnant people, and many low-income adults qualify, and the income limits are higher for children and pregnant people. You must be a Washington resident and a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Washington sets the exact income limits with the federal government – check the official site below for the current figures; we do not list dollar amounts here.

How to apply

In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Most adults and families apply through Washington Healthplanfinder online, by phone, or on paper; people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability may apply through the Health Care Authority (HCA). You can usually start online, by phone, or in person, and the agency verifies your income and household before approving coverage.

Documents you may need

Have ready: photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household members applying, proof of income, proof of Washington residency, and immigration documents if they apply. Bring copies and keep your originals.

What to expect

Applications are usually processed within about 45 days (longer if a disability determination is needed). If you are approved, coverage may be backdated to cover recent medical bills in some cases. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Renew each year to keep your coverage, and report changes in income or household when they happen.

Official website / application link

Washington HCA – apply for Apple Health, Washington Healthplanfinder (apply), Medicaid.gov, and Benefits.gov. Applying is free through the official agency – never pay a third party.

Other Washington benefits & related guides

• Back to the Medicaid by-state hub
• Washington SNAP / food stamps
• Washington SNAP / food stamps
• Washington WIC
• Washington LIHEAP
• Washington TANF
• Washington EBT card
• Washington Section 8
• Washington SSI
• Washington SSDI
• Benefits eligibility quick-check
• Documents you need to apply

Compare Medicaid in more states

California · Texas · Florida · New York · Pennsylvania · Illinois · Ohio · Georgia · North Carolina · Michigan · Virginia · New Jersey.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medicaid free?
For most people, Apple Health has no monthly premium and little or no cost for covered care. Some groups may have small copays – the official site explains any costs.

Can I have Medicaid and other coverage?
In some cases yes – for example, people with Medicare may also get Apple Health help. Report any other coverage when you apply.

Last reviewed July 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; income limits, amounts, and dates are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there before applying. See our corrections policy.

Applying for Medicaid in Washington (2026)

In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health (Medicaid) and is run by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). You apply through Washington Healthplanfinder (official site). Applying is free.

How to apply, renew, and check status in Washington

Apply online at Washington Healthplanfinder, or by phone, mail, or in person. Medicaid has no open-enrollment window, so you can apply any time. Once enrolled, renew (redetermine) your coverage each year and watch for Washington’s renewal notice; you can check your application or renewal status through the same portal.

Washington eligibility, income rules, and expansion

Washington has expanded Medicaid, so many adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify (final amounts depend on household size and group). Eligibility is mostly based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and household size, with different rules for children, pregnant women, parents, adults, and people who are 65+ or disabled. Income limits change and vary by group, so confirm the current Washington limits with the official agency rather than relying on older figures.

Washington documents, verification, and managed care

• Documents: ID, Social Security numbers, income, Washington residency, and citizenship/immigration status; the state may send a request for more verification.
• Managed care: most Washington Medicaid members get care through a managed-care health plan; you usually choose a plan after you are approved.

Related Washington and Medicaid guides

Medicaid eligibility · Medicaid income limits · Medicaid 2027 updates · how to renew your Medicaid · Medicaid work requirements · CHIP · Medicare.

Last reviewed July 2026. General information, not legal advice — GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency. Medicaid rules and income limits vary by state and change over time; confirm current details with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) before applying.