A new federal law, H.R. 1, will change some Apple Health rules starting in fall 2026. Washington State is still working out the details of how these changes will be put in place.

October 1, 2026
Noncitizen changes: Changes to eligibility for refugee, asylee, and other noncitizen adults.

View the noncitizen fact sheet (available in 15 languages).

January 1, 2027
Work Requirements: 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).

• View the work requirements page.
• View the work requirements and renewals fact sheet (available in 15 languages).

Six-month renewals: People enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of twelve months.

View the work requirements and renewals fact sheet (available in 15 languages).

Retroactive coverage changes: 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. 

View the retroactive coverage fact sheet (available in 15 languages).

Children and pregnant people are not affected by these changes.

For most people, changes will take effect at their next renewal after the new rules go into place.

What you can do now

Update your contact information in Washington Healthplanfinder so you don’t miss renewal notices.

Greater Health Now’s trained insurance navigators provide free, one on one help understanding your coverage options and how these changes may affect you. Navigators are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, and can connect you with translation services if needed.

Call: 509.567.5317
Email: WAHBEquestions@greaterhealthnow.org

Learn more about free navigator services here.

For the latest updates from the state, visit the Washington State Health Care Authority. What’s changing with Apple Health (Medicaid)? | Washington State Health Care Authority