Apple Health and H.R. 1
New! Medicaid (Apple Health) and SNAP Guidebook, designed to support the community-based workforce and partners who help individuals and families navigate the new changes to these programs resulting from federal policy changes.
This guidebook aims to simplify understanding and explaining the benefit changes by consolidating information in one place so community members understand their options, identify next steps and connect with the necessary support to successfully maintain benefits.
Upcoming H.R.1 Changes
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
Additional H.R.1 Resources
Listen to representatives from the Health Care Authority and the Health Benefit Exchange who join insurance navigators for questions on the upcoming changes to enrollment and eligibility, work requirement updates, renewals, and more.
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H.R.1 Webinar for Community-Based Workers and Community Organizations
Listen to other community-based workers across the region as Better Health Together and Greater Health Now share important information about changes to Medicaid enrollment and eligibility coming Fall 2026-2027. Learn about the changes coming and how to support your clients through the transitions.
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H.R. 1 Webinar Q & A
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September Learning Collaborative: H.R.1. Eligibility Changes for Apple Health (Medicaid) and Basic Food (SNAP)
H.R.1. eligibility changes, including work requirements, are in effect for the Basic Food (SNAP) program and are on the horizon for Apple Health (Medicaid). Be better prepared to support the people you serve through these changes by keeping up to date on eligibility requirements. We’ll be joined by Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to review the new eligibility requirements for Basic Food, including work requirements, exceptions, and reporting requirements. Additionally, DSHS will present about the Basic Food Education and Training program, a program designed for anyone receiving Basic Food benefits to gain job skills, training, and work experience. Finally, we’ll hear from the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health about the eligibility changes, including work requirements, for Medicaid, and the timeline for implementation.