Last Updated: January 6, 2026, by Akash Biswas
Washington’s Medicaid program is called Apple Health. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents.
This guide explains who qualifies, income limits, and how to apply in 2026.
Quick Summary:
- Apple Health covers children, adults, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities
- Most adults qualify if income is under 138% FPL (about $21,600/year for one person)
- Children can qualify up to 215% FPL with no or low premiums
- Pregnant individuals qualify up to 210% FPL with 12 months postpartum coverage
- No asset test for most groups; seniors and disabled applicants have asset limits
- Apply year-round online, by phone, or in person
What Is Apple Health?
Apple Health is Washington State’s Medicaid program. It provides health coverage to low-income residents. The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) runs the program.
Apple Health covers:
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental and vision care
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Long-term care services
- Transportation to medical appointments
Most people pay no premiums or copays.
Who Qualifies for Apple Health in 2026?
Apple Health has different pathways. Each group has its own income rules.
Adults Age 19–64
Adults qualify if they:
- Live in Washington State
- Are age 19 to 64
- Have income under 138% FPL
- Are not on Medicare
- Are not eligible for other coverage
Income limit: About $21,600 per year for one person in 2025–2026.
This is the Medicaid expansion group. It has no asset test.
Children Age 0–18 (Apple Health for Kids)
Children qualify up to 215% FPL. There are no premiums at lower income levels. Higher income families may pay a small CHIP premium.
Example income limits (2025–2026):
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (215% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,804 |
| 2 | $3,760 |
| 3 | $4,716 |
| 4 | $5,760 |
| 5 | $6,804 |
| 6 | $7,848 |
| 7 | $8,892 |
| 8 | $9,936 |
Children get full Medicaid benefits with little or no cost.
Parents and Caretakers
Parents living with dependent children under 18 may qualify. Income limits are typically around 100% FPL or slightly higher.
This group uses MAGI rules with no asset test.
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant people qualify up to 210% FPL. Coverage includes:
- Prenatal care
- Labor and delivery
- 12 months of postpartum coverage
Postpartum coverage continues for 12 months even if income changes. Immigration status does not affect pregnancy Medicaid eligibility.
Seniors and People with Disabilities (ABD)
Adults age 65+ or those who are blind or disabled qualify under stricter rules.
Income limits (2026):
- Single person: About $994/month
- Married couple: About $1,491/month
Asset limits:
- Single person: $2,000
- Married couple: $3,000
Some assets don’t count, like your home and one car.
Long-Term Care (Nursing Home & Home Care)
Seniors and disabled adults needing nursing home care or home-based services may qualify.
2026 limits:
- Income: About $2,982/month for single applicants
- Assets: $2,000 for single applicants
Spouses living at home may keep more assets (up to $162,660 in some cases).
Immigrants
Qualified immigrants (lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees) can get full Apple Health if they meet income rules.
Other immigrants may qualify for state-funded Apple Health:
- Children get full coverage
- Pregnant people get pregnancy coverage
- Adults 19+ with income under 138% FPL can enroll in Apple Health Expansion for Immigrants if slots are available
There is no 5-year waiting period for state-funded programs.
Income Rules: MAGI vs Non-MAGI
Apple Health uses two systems.
MAGI Programs (No Asset Test)
MAGI stands for Modified Adjusted Gross Income. These groups have no asset test:
- Adults 19–64
- Children 0–18
- Pregnant individuals
- Parents and caretakers
Household size follows tax rules. Count yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and tax dependents.
Non-MAGI Programs (Asset Limits Apply)
These groups have income and asset tests:
- Seniors (65+)
- People with disabilities
- Long-term care applicants
Countable assets include bank accounts, stocks, and some property. Your home and car usually don’t count.
Residency and Other Rules
To qualify, you must:
- Live in Washington State
- Intend to stay in Washington
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (or qualify for state-funded coverage)
Proof of address can be flexible if you are homeless. A letter from a shelter or case manager may work.
What Benefits Does Apple Health Cover?
Apple Health is comprehensive. Most groups get full Medicaid benefits.
Covered services include:
- Primary care and specialist visits
- Hospital and emergency care
- Preventive care and screenings
- Prescription medications
- Mental health counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Dental care (adults and children)
- Vision care (glasses, eye exams)
- Maternity and newborn care
- Family planning services
- Transportation to appointments
- Long-term care (nursing homes, home care)
Most people pay no copays. Some services are completely free.
How to Apply for Apple Health in 2026
You can apply for Apple Health any time of year. There is no open enrollment deadline.
Ways to Apply:
1. Online:
Apply at Washington Healthplanfinder (www.wahbexchange.org).
2. By Phone:
Call Washington Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY: 1-855-627-9604).
3. By Mail:
Download and mail a paper application.
4. In Person:
Visit a community health center, hospital financial counselor, or enrollment assister.
What You’ll Need:
- Social Security numbers (or document numbers for immigrants)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mail)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Most people get approved within 45 days. Pregnant people and children often get approved faster.
Renewing Apple Health Coverage
Apple Health coverage renews every 12 months. HCA will send a renewal notice by mail or online.
To renew:
- Update your contact information
- Report any income or household changes
- Return requested documents by the deadline
If you don’t renew on time, you may lose coverage. Check your mail and online account regularly.
How Apple Health Connects to National Medicaid Rules
Washington follows federal Medicaid rules but adds state-funded programs. To learn more about Medicaid eligibility 2026 rules across all states, visit official government resources.
Income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which updates yearly. Washington’s 2026 limits will adjust when new FPL guidelines are released.
Where to Get Help
Washington Healthplanfinder:
Website: www.wahbexchange.org
Phone: 1-855-923-4633
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA):
Website: www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage
Find Local Help:
Community health centers, hospitals, and enrollment assisters can help you apply for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Apple Health in Washington in 2026?
Low-income adults, children, pregnant individuals, parents, seniors, and disabled qualify. Expansion helps adults without kids if income fits.
What is the income limit for Apple Health in 2026?
Limits vary by group and size. Washington typically updates Apple Health income limits in January 2026, so eligibility amounts may change during the year.
Does household size affect Apple Health eligibility?
Yes, size includes everyone living together. It raises income limits for bigger families.
Can working adults get Medicaid in Washington?
Yes, many do if income is low. Expansion covers part-time or low-wage workers.
Are Apple Health income limits changing in January 2026?
Yes, updates happen then. Some limits may rise with costs.
Does Washington Medicaid have asset limits?
No for expansion adults, children, and pregnant individuals. Yes for seniors, disability, and long-term care.
Is long-term care Medicaid changing in Washington in 2026?
Washington is reviewing rules. Income or asset thresholds may update during the year.
How do I apply for Apple Health in Washington?
Apply online at wahealthplanfinder.org or in person at CSO offices. Include ID, income proof, and residency details.
Take Action Today
Apple Health provides life-changing coverage for Washington families. If you think you qualify, apply today. It’s free to apply, and help is available.
Visit Washington Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633 to get started.
Sources:
- Washington Health Benefit Exchange: www.wahbexchange.org
- Washington Health Care Authority: www.hca.wa.gov
About the Author
My name is Akash Biswas. I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand. Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.
I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps. I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.
My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next. I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.
I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.
