Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against official Medicaid.gov and Washington State Health Care Authority guidelines | Last Updated: April 2026
In Washington State, Apple Health is free or low-cost health insurance for people with low income. It is Washington’s Medicaid program.
A single adult can earn up to $1,835 per month and still qualify. Children can qualify with family income up to $4,134 per month. Most people pay zero premiums and zero copays.
Quick Eligibility Summary (April 2026):
- Adults (ages 19–64): Up to $1,835/month for one person. No savings test.
- Children (under 19): Up to $4,134/month for one child through CHIP Tier 2.
- Pregnant women: Up to $2,860/month. You also get 12 months of free care after birth.
- Seniors & disabled (65+): Up to $994/month. A $2,000 savings limit applies.
- Long-term care: Up to $2,982/month for nursing home or home care.
- Savings rules: Adults, children, and pregnant women have no asset test. Only seniors and long-term care applicants have savings limits.
How Apple Health Income Limits Work in Washington
Apple Health uses your household income to decide if you qualify. The program groups people by age and situation. Each group has its own income limit.
Most limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL updates each year. In 2026, the FPL for one person is $15,960 per year.
There are two types of Apple Health programs:
- MAGI programs cover adults, children, pregnant women, and families. Only your income matters. There is no savings or asset test.
- Non-MAGI programs cover seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term care. These programs check both income and savings.
To see how Washington compares to other states, check our guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
Note: MAGI income limits updated on April 1, 2026, when the new federal poverty level took effect. Non-MAGI limits (seniors, disabled, long-term care) updated on January 1, 2026.
Apple Health Income Limits for Adults (Ages 19–64)
Most adults ages 19 to 64 qualify at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This includes a built-in 5% income disregard. There is no savings or asset test for this group.
2026 Adult Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,835 |
| 2 people | $2,490 |
| 3 people | $3,142 |
| 4 people | $3,795 |
| 5 people | $4,449 |
| 6 people | $5,102 |
| 7 people | $5,755 |
| 8 people | $6,409 |
| Each additional person | +$654 |
Source: HCA 19-0096 (04/26) — Washington State Health Care Authority. Effective April 1, 2026.
Here’s what this means: If you are a single adult and you earn $1,835 or less per month before taxes, you may qualify for free Apple Health coverage.
Apple Health Income Limits for Children (Under 19)
Children qualify at higher income levels than adults. Washington offers free coverage up to 215% FPL. Families with higher income can still get coverage through the CHIP program.
2026 Children’s Income Limits (215% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,860 |
| 2 people | $3,879 |
| 3 people | $4,896 |
| 4 people | $5,913 |
| 5 people | $6,932 |
| 6 people | $7,949 |
| 7 people | $8,966 |
| 8 people | $9,985 |
| Each additional person | +$1,019 |
Source: HCA 19-0096 (04/26) — Washington State Health Care Authority.
At these income levels, your child pays no premiums and no copays.
CHIP Income Limits (Higher-Income Families)
If your family earns too much for free Apple Health, your child may still qualify through CHIP. Washington’s CHIP has two premium tiers:
| CHIP Tier | Income Level | Monthly Premium | 1-Person Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 265% FPL | $20/month | $3,456 |
| Tier 2 | 317% FPL | $30/month | $4,134 |
CHIP Tier 2 Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $4,134 |
| 2 people | $5,589 |
| 3 people | $7,041 |
| 4 people | $8,492 |
| 5 people | $9,947 |
| 6 people | $11,399 |
| 7 people | $12,851 |
| 8 people | $14,306 |
| Each additional person | +$1,452 |
Even higher-income families can get health coverage for their children in Washington. A family of four earning up to $8,492 per month may qualify.
Apple Health Income Limits for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at 215% FPL — the same higher limit as children. Washington also counts unborn children in your household size. This can raise your income limit.
2026 Pregnancy Income Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,860 |
| 2 people | $3,879 |
| 3 people | $4,896 |
| 4 people | $5,913 |
| 5 people | $6,932 |
| 6 people | $7,949 |
| 7 people | $8,966 |
| 8 people | $9,985 |
| Each additional person | +$1,019 |
Source: HCA 19-0096 (04/26) — Washington State Health Care Authority.
After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC)
After your pregnancy ends, you keep 12 months of free coverage. This is called After-Pregnancy Coverage. It uses the same 215% FPL income limits shown above.
Your coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, postpartum checkups, and mental health services.
Apple Health Income Limits for a Family of 4
A family of four is one of the most common household sizes in Washington. Here are the income limits that apply to your family:
| Program | Monthly Income Limit (Family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Adults (138% FPL) | $3,795 |
| Children & Pregnant Women (215% FPL) | $5,913 |
| CHIP Tier 1 (265% FPL) | $7,099 |
| CHIP Tier 2 (317% FPL) | $8,492 |
| Family Planning Only (265% FPL) | $7,099 |
If your family of four earns $3,795 or less per month, every adult in the household may qualify for free Apple Health. Your children may qualify at even higher income levels.
Apple Health Income Limits for a Family of 6
Larger families have higher income limits. Here are the 2026 limits for a six-person household:
| Program | Monthly Income Limit (Family of 6) |
|---|---|
| Adults (138% FPL) | $5,102 |
| Children & Pregnant Women (215% FPL) | $7,949 |
| CHIP Tier 1 (265% FPL) | $9,529 |
| CHIP Tier 2 (317% FPL) | $11,399 |
| Family Planning Only (265% FPL) | $9,529 |
A family of six earning under $5,102 per month may qualify for full adult Apple Health coverage. Children in the same household may qualify up to $11,399 per month through CHIP.
Apple Health Income Limits for Seniors & People with Disabilities (65+)
Seniors and people with disabilities use different rules. These are called non-MAGI programs. They check both your income and your savings.
2026 SSI / CNIL Income Standards
| Standard | Single Person | Married Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Income Limit (FBR/CNIL) | $994/month | $1,491/month |
| ½ FBR | $497 | N/A |
| Shared Living FBR | $663 | $994 |
| Savings Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Non-Blind SGA | $1,690/month | — |
| Blind SGA | $2,830/month | — |
Source: Social Security Administration, effective January 1, 2026. Reflects 2.8% COLA increase.
These limits are lower than the adult program. If you are 65 or older, you may qualify with income up to $994 per month as a single person.
SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. It is the income level at which Social Security considers you able to work.
Family Classic (N01) Program Income Limits
The Family Classic program has lower income thresholds than the standard adult program. It covers parents and caretaker relatives with dependent children.
2026 Family Classic Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $511 |
| 2 people | $658 |
| 3 people | $820 |
| 4 people | $972 |
| 5 people | $1,127 |
| 6 people | $1,284 |
| 7 people | $1,471 |
| 8 people | $1,631 |
The Family Classic program does not include the 5% income disregard.
Family Planning Only Income Limits (265% FPL)
If you only need family planning services, you may qualify at a higher income. This program covers birth control, STI testing, and reproductive health visits.
2026 Family Planning Limits
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,456 |
| 2 people | $4,672 |
| 3 people | $5,886 |
| 4 people | $7,099 |
| Each additional person | +$1,214 |
You may qualify for this program even if your income is too high for full Apple Health coverage.
Washington Medically Needy Program — 2026 Limits
The Medically Needy program helps people whose income is too high for regular Medicaid. If you have large medical bills, you may still qualify through a spend-down process.
Here’s how it works: You pay your medical bills until the total reaches a certain amount. After that, Medicaid covers the rest. Think of it like a deductible.
2026 Medically Needy Income Limits (MNIL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Standard |
|---|---|
| 1–6 people | $994/month |
| 7 people | $1,125/month |
| 8 people | $1,242/month |
| 9 people | $1,358/month |
| 10 people | $1,483/month |
| 11+ people | $1,483/month |
2026 Medically Needy Savings Limits
| Household Size | Savings Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,000 |
| 2 people | $3,000 |
| 3 people | $3,050 |
| 4 people | $3,100 |
| 5 people | $3,150 |
| 6 people | $3,200 |
| 7 people | $3,250 |
| 8 people | $3,300 |
| Each additional person | +$50 |
Source: HCA 19-0096 (01/26) — Washington State Health Care Authority. Effective January 1, 2026.
Long-Term Care (Nursing Home) Medicaid Income Limits — 2026
Washington’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Medicaid covers nursing home care, assisted living, and home-based care. These are some of the most important numbers for seniors and families planning for care.
For a complete breakdown of eligibility rules and how to apply, visit our guide on Washington Medicaid eligibility in 2026.
2026 LTSS Key Standards
| Standard | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Special Income Level (SIL) | $2,982/month |
| DDA & HCS HCBS Waiver PNA (at home) | $2,982/month |
| HCS Waivers PNA with Community Spouse | $994/month |
| Personal Needs Allowance — Nursing Home | $108.74/month |
| DDA & HCS Waivers / CFC / MPC PNA in ALF | $108.74/month |
| Room & Board in ALF | $885.26/month |
| Home Equity Limit | $1,130,000 |
| Community Spouse Maintenance Allowance (Max) | $4,066.50/month |
| TSOA Income Limit | $3,976/month |
| TSOA Resources (Individual) | $84,354 |
| TSOA Resources (with Community Spouse) | $156,883 |
| Federal Spousal Resource Maximum (CSRA) | $162,660 |
| State Spousal Resource Allowance (Minimum) | $72,529 (updates odd years) |
| PNA State Veterans Home Maximum | $160/month |
Source: HCA 19-0096 (01/26) — Washington State Health Care Authority. Effective January 1, 2026.
PNA stands for Personal Needs Allowance. This is the amount a nursing home resident keeps each month for personal spending.
The Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) protects savings for the spouse who stays at home. In 2026, the healthy spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets.
Medicare Savings Programs — 2026 Income Limits
Medicare Savings Programs help low-income people with Medicare pay for premiums and copays. Washington eliminated the asset test for all Medicare Savings Programs in 2026. Only your income is checked now.
Current Medicare Savings Program Income Limits
| Program | What It Pays | 1-Person | 2-Person | 3-Person | 4-Person | Per Add’l |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB (110% FPL) | Part A & B premiums, deductibles, copays | $1,454 | $1,959 | $2,463 | $2,967 | +$504 |
| SLMB (120% FPL) | Part B premium only | $1,585 | $2,136 | $2,685 | $3,235 | +$550 |
| QI-1 (138% FPL) | Part B premium only | $1,820 | $2,453 | $3,085 | $3,717 | +$632 |
| QDWI (200% FPL) | Part A premium only | $2,628 | $3,546 | $4,462 | $5,378 | +$916 |
Figures include a $20 general income disregard. Effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. New figures publish April 1, 2026.
No savings or bank account limits apply for any Medicare Savings Program in Washington.
Medicare Cost-Sharing Standards (2026)
If you have both Apple Health and Medicare, these numbers show what Apple Health may cover on your behalf. To understand how provider billing works, see the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026.
| Medicare Item | 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Part A Premium (40+ work quarters) | Free |
| Part A Premium (30–39 quarters) | $311/month |
| Part A Premium (under 30 quarters) | $565/month |
| Part A Inpatient Deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Part A Coinsurance (Days 61–90) | $434/day |
| Part A Coinsurance (over 90 days) | $868/day |
| Part A Coinsurance NF (Days 21–100) | $217/day |
| Part B Premium | $203/month |
| Part B Deductible | $283 |
| LIS Resources — Single | $16,590 |
| LIS Resources — Couple | $33,100 |
Key 2026 Policy Changes — What’s New
Washington Apple Health had several important changes in 2026. Here is what you need to know.
Changes Already in Effect
- ABD/SSI income limit rose to $994/month for single people. This is up from 2025 levels because of the 2.8% federal Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
- Washington eliminated asset limits for all Medicare Savings Programs. Only income is tested now. No savings or bank account limits apply.
- Apple Health Expansion for undocumented adults closed enrollment in December 2025. Current enrollees keep their coverage. No new applications are accepted.
Changes Effective April 1, 2026
- MAGI income limits increased. The new federal poverty level ($15,960/year for one person) raised limits for adults, children, pregnancy, and family planning programs.
- Medicare Savings Program thresholds will refresh with the new FPL amounts.
Coming Later in 2026
- December 31, 2026: Apple Health Expansion adults must renew eligibility every 6 months per federal law (H.R. 1).
How to Apply for Washington Apple Health in 2026
Applying is free. You can apply any time of year. There is no open enrollment window for Medicaid.
Four Ways to Apply
- Online: Apply at Washington Healthplanfinder. This is the fastest option.
- By phone: Call 1-855-923-4633 (Washington Health Benefit Exchange).
- In person: Visit your local HCA Community Services Office.
- By mail: Download and mail a paper application to the Health Care Authority.
What You Need to Apply
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of Washington State residency
- Social Security Number (for eligible applicants)
- Recent income information (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Most people get a decision within 45 days. Emergency Medicaid can be approved faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple Health income limit for a single adult in 2026?
A single adult can earn up to $1,835 per month and qualify for Apple Health. This is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level with the 5% income disregard. This figure took effect April 1, 2026.
Do I need to report my savings to qualify for Apple Health?
For most Apple Health programs — adults, children, families, and pregnant women — there is no asset or savings test. Only your income matters. However, SSI-linked programs for seniors and people with disabilities do have a savings limit of $2,000 for one person.
What is the income limit for a family of 4 on Washington Apple Health?
A family of four can earn up to $3,795 per month for adult Apple Health coverage. Children in the same household may qualify up to $5,913 per month at 215% FPL.
What is the Apple Health income limit for kids in Washington?
Children qualify at 215% FPL. A family of one qualifies at $2,860 per month. Higher-income families may qualify through CHIP up to $4,134 per month at 317% FPL, with a small $30 monthly premium.
What is the nursing home Medicaid income limit in Washington?
The Special Income Level (SIL) for long-term care is $2,982 per month in 2026. Nursing home residents keep only $108.74 per month as a personal needs allowance.
Did Washington eliminate the asset test for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. Washington State removed the asset test for all Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1, QDWI) in 2026. Only income limits apply. You no longer need to report savings or bank accounts.
When do Apple Health income limits change?
MAGI limits update every April when the new Federal Poverty Level takes effect. Non-MAGI limits (seniors, disability, long-term care) update every January based on the Social Security COLA.
What income counts for Apple Health?
Apple Health counts wages, salary, tips, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and unemployment. It does not count child support received, SSI payments, or certain disaster relief.
Can I get Apple Health if I am pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant women qualify at 215% FPL — up to $2,860 per month for one person. You also get 12 months of free After-Pregnancy Coverage. Washington counts unborn children in your household size, which raises your income limit.
How do I check if I qualify for Apple Health?
Visit Washington Healthplanfinder and answer a few questions. You can also call 1-855-923-4633 for free help. You can use our Medicaid Calculator for a quick estimate.
Official Sources & References
- HCA 19-0096 (04/26) — WA Apple Health Income and Resource Standards — Washington State Health Care Authority
- Washington State Health Care Authority — Apple Health (Medicaid) — hca.wa.gov
- Changes to Apple Health Income Limits — hca.wa.gov
Last Updated: April 2026 | Source: HCA 19-0096 (04/26), Washington State Health Care Authority. Income limits are subject to change. Always verify current figures at hca.wa.gov before applying.
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