Apple Health is Medicaid: What you need to know

If you live in Washington State and qualify for Medicaid, you might know it by another name—Apple Health.

In Washington, Medicaid is Apple Health. They are the same program! Currently, Apple Health (Medicaid) provides free or low-cost health coverage for nearly 2 million people across our state, including children, adults, pregnant individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. Many people don’t realize when we say “Apple Health,” we’re talking about Medicaid.

With possible changes to state and federal laws, it’s more important than ever to understand how Apple Health (Medicaid) works, who it helps, and what it covers.

Why Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) matters

Even if you don’t need Apple Health (Medicaid) yourself, it plays a huge role in our communities. Here’s why it matters:

It benefits everyone – When more people have access to preventive care, it reduces emergency room visits and keeps health care costs lower for everyone.
It keeps families and kids healthy – Nearly 850,000 children in Washington rely on Apple Health for their medical, dental, and vision care.
It supports working individuals and families – Many people who qualify for Apple Health are working but don’t have employer-sponsored insurance or can’t afford private plans.
It helps seniors and people with disabilities – Apple Health provides critical care for over 230,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities in our state, including some people on Medicare.
You or someone you know may need it one day – Life circumstances can change. A job loss, health crisis, or major life event could mean you or a loved one might qualify for Apple Health (Medicaid) in the future. Knowing how it works now can make a difference when you need it.

What is Apple Health (Medicaid)?

Apple Health covers a wide range of health services to keeps Washingtonian’s healthy. Individuals who qualify, get coverage for services like:

Doctor visits and check-ups
Emergency care when you need it
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health and substance use disorder treatment services
Prescriptions
Dental and vision care (full benefits for kids, limited for adults)
Hospital stays and lab tests
Rides to medical appointments

For most people, Apple Health has no costs—no premiums, no copays, no deductibles. If you qualify, you get the care you need without worrying about medical bills.

Who can get Apple Health (Medicaid)?

Apple Health is available to many Washington residents based on income, family size, age, and other factors. There are two main types of coverage:

Classic Medicaid – For people who are 65+, blind, or living with a disability who meet the eligibility requirements.
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid – For adults, parents/caretakers, children, and pregnant individuals who meet income limits.

As of February 2025, nearly 2 million people are enrolled in Apple Health, including:

Children: 849,158
Adults: 623,156
People with disabilities: 131,195
People age 65+: 99,897
Pregnant/After-pregnancy coverage individuals: 26,588

Eligibility requirements depend on the program you are applying for. View the eligibility requirements for other programs online.

How to apply for Apple Health

Applying is easy and can be done online, in person, or by mail. Learn more about how to apply.

Your application will go through:

Washington Healthplanfinder for adults, parents/caretakers, children, and pregnant individuals, or
Washington Connection for people who are 65+, blind, or living with a disability.

If you don’t qualify for Apple Health, you may still be able to get low-cost health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder.

What is Apple Health managed care?

Most Apple Health members get their care through a managed care plan. This means you’ll have a single health plan to help coordinate your care and connect you with providers. Washington has five managed care plans to choose from. Available plans in Washington include:

Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
Coordinated Care (CC)
Molina Healthcare of Washington (MHW)
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHC)
Wellpoint Washington (formerly Amerigroup) (WLP)

Some services—like dental care, maternity support, and inpatient psychiatric care—are covered directly by Apple Health instead of a managed care plan. This is called fee-for-service (FFS).

How is Apple Health funded?

Apple Health is funded by both Washington State and the federal government. Currently, the federal government pays about 50% of traditional Medicaid costs, while Medicaid expansion (under the Affordable Care Act) is 90% federally funded.

Apple Health = Medicaid: Helping Washington families stay healthy

Apple Health is Medicaid. If you qualify for Medicaid in Washington, you’re covered by Apple Health — it’s that simple! This program helps keep nearly 2 million Washington residents healthy by providing free or low-cost coverage to those who need it most.

If you or someone you know might qualify, don’t wait—visit hca.wa.gov/apple-health today to learn more and apply.