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Important Medicaid updates for WA members

Starting January 1, 2027, there are new rules for some Apple Health (Medicaid) members in Washington.
These changes may affect your health care coverage.

You may need to take action to keep your Apple Health.
Check this page often for updates. We will share new info when we get it. You may also visit hca.wa.gov/hr1-changes for information.

What is a renewal?

A renewal is when you update your information to keep your Apple Health coverage.

What is changing?

Starting January 1, 2027, some members may need to:

  • Renew their Medicaid two times each year
  • Follow work rules (if they apply to you)

Who is affected?

These changes may affect some adults with Apple Health.
The state will tell you if these rules apply to you.

What are the important dates to know?

  • Lawfully present noncitizen changes: October 1, 2026
    • Changes to eligibility for refugees, asylees, and other noncitizen adults.
  • Work requirements: January 1, 2027
    • To remain eligible, people enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to work, train, or do community engagement 80 hours per month (with some exceptions).
  • Six-month renewals: January 1, 2027
    • People enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of twelve months.
  • Retroactive coverage: January 1, 2027
    • Retroactive coverage will be shortened from three months to one month for Apple Health for Adults and shortened to two months for all other Apple Health programs.
  • other

What should I do now?

Keep your contact info up to date with Washington Healthplanfinder and Molina Healthcare:


What counts as work?

Some people must work or do activities to keep their Apple Health coverage.

This may include:

  • A paid job
  • Volunteer work
  • Job training
  • School (college, trade school, high school, or GED)
  • Other approved programs (like internships)

You must complete 80 hours each month.

Do all members need to follow work rules?

No. Not everyone has to follow work rules.

You may not have to if you:

  • Are under age 19
  • Are a foster youth under age 26
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a disability or serious health problem
  • Need treatment for drug or alcohol use
  • Care for a child under age 13 or a family member who needs help
  • Are a Tribal member, American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Were released from jail in the last 90 days
  • Meet other state rules

Short-term hardships

You may not have to meet work rules if you:

  • Live in an area with a natural disaster or emergency
  • Stay in the hospital for part or all of the month

The state will tell you if this applies to you and what to do next.
Molina may also send you reminders.

What happens if I do nothing?

You may:

  • Lose your Apple Health coverage
  • Need to apply again later
  • Have a gap in your care

The state may send a letter asking for more info.
Be sure to reply by the date in the letter.

What if I lose my Apple Health coverage?

You may have the right to appeal.
Your letter will explain your choices.
You can also call (866) 916-0920 (TTY: 711) for help.
You may still be able to send the needed info after your coverage ends.

How do I renew?

There are many ways to renew. Choose the one that’s best for you based on your coverage type. It is fastest to apply online.

If you are an Apple Health Medicaid client:

  • Online: Log in to Washington Healthplanfinder and follow the renewal instructions.
  • By mail: Download an Application for Healthcare Coverage and mail it to:

    Washington Healthplanfinder
    P.O. Box 946
    Olympia, WA 98507
    Or Fax it to 1-855-867-4467

  • By phone: Call Washington Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633.
  • In person: Local resources who, at no extra cost, can help you apply for health coverage can be found here.

If you are an Apple Health Classic Medicaid client:

  • Online: Go to www.waconnection.org. Click “Renew my benefits” on the left side.
  • In Person: At a local community services office. Click here to find your nearest office.
  • By phone: DSHS Customer Support Center at (877) 501-2233
  • By Mail: Download the form located here and mail it to:

    DSHS Community Services Division - Customer Service Center
    PO Box 11699
    Tacoma, WA 98411-6699

Need help?

You are not alone. Help is available.

You can:

  • Learn what your letter means
  • Find out what to do next
  • Get help near you

Call Molina’s Health Plan Renewals team at (866) 916-0920 (TTY: 711) or Washington Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633 or (TTY: 1-855-627-9604).

For in-person help, find a Navigator or Broker via the https://wahealthplanfinder.org.

For benefit related questions, call Molina Member Services at (800) 869-7165 (TTY/TDD: 711)

Email: HealthPlanRenewals@MolinaHealthcare.com