Like many young adults entering a new chapter of life, Alex, 22, faced unexpected hurdles. After starting a new job, Alex was left with a gap in health care coverage.
With limited military health benefits from their parents, all Alex could do was hope to stay healthy until they could find more health coverage.
Unfortunately, their hope diminished in 2022 when the unexpected happened. Alex suffered a serious accident, sending them to the emergency room with several fractured bones. The physical pain was difficult enough, but nothing prepared them for the shock of a $37,000 hospital bill and the mounting costs of health care that followed. A feeling of helplessness ensued when Alex began to grasp the reality of the situation – their current health coverage would not come close to covering the growing medical debt.
Although Alex tried to focus on recovering during their medical leave, the stress was overwhelming because they knew their medical leave would end soon and the uncertainty of paying the medical costs loomed. But Alex was determined to take matters into their own hands. After researching online, Alex soon discovered Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage.
When Alex initially applied, they learned “…it was completely online, which made the process much easier. The online application portal explains exactly what you need to apply” and made it easy to fill out questions.
After Alex submitted their Apple Health application, they were relieved to find out they were approved the same day! Despite the exciting news, Alex still worried about how they would address their accrued medical bills. After contacting Apple Health Customer Service, they learned that Apple Health could offer retroactive coverage. This meant Alex could get help with the medical bills they had before they even applied. After learning about the retroactive process, Alex submitted the required paperwork and worked with the hospital to complete the process. Soon after, Apple Health coverage kicked in and covered not only their past emergency room bill but the months of ongoing treatment.
Having comprehensive health coverage transformed the way Alex received their medical care. Before Apple Health, Alex’s routine of attending provider appointments and picking up prescriptions required them to drive almost an hour to the nearest military base.
With Apple Health, Alex had an expanded range of provider locations and pharmacies to choose from. Being able to visit a clinic nearby and pick up their prescriptions at a local pharmacy made it easier for Alex to access their covered services in less time without added stress or out-of-pocket costs.
Now, when Alex receives services their parents' insurance can’t fully cover, Apple Health takes care of the rest saving them thousands on medical bills. When asked what they would tell others who need health coverage, Alex shared there’s a lot of negative stigma about younger people and emphasized the importance of educating young adults on government programs to ensure they “are focusing on food, rent, and health care”.
Moving forward, Alex enjoys more of life without constant worry about medical debt. They enjoy reading books and focusing on their studies to learn psychology with aspirations to join the public health force in the future.
Apple Health retroactive coverage may be able to cover your medical expenses before you apply when you meet the eligibility requirements. Apply for coverage online at Washington HealthplanfinderTM to see if you qualify.