Washington Apple Health extension

Call us at: (360) 385-4400

Washington Apple Health

Greetings!

Public Health Emergency and

Washington Apple Health extensions

Washington state has been extending Apple Health (WAH) eligibility to those that lost eligiblity during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). The current COVID-19 PHE extends through July 19, 2021. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) letter to the Governors, the PHE may be extended through the rest of 2021 in 90-day increments. The Health Care Authority (HCA) will receive 60 days-notice before the emergency ends and will notify WAH beneficiaries prior to any changes taking place.

If you have dependents under age 19 enrolled on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with premium payments and are experiencing financial hardship related to COVID-19, we advise contacting the HCA to discuss payment options. This would also apply to those not currently eligible for CHIP because of past due CHIP premium payments.

What does this mean for Apple Health beneficiaries?

Current Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) enrollments will not lose their coverage during the PHE unless they don’t meet residency, citizenship, or immigration requirements. We encourage you to continue reporting income changes and keeping applications updated with household members and contact information.

If you do experience a loss of WAH due to changes made in your HPF application, we advise contacting the HCA directly to request a (PHE) extension. HPF does not offer functionality to submit extension requests through the online application and we do not have the ability to request an extension on your behalf. Beneficaries should call HCA directly at 1-800-562-3022.

PHE Special Enrollment Period: Who is eligible?

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WAHBE) has extended the PHE Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP).

New Enrollees: Those not currently enrolled through the WAHBE. This includes those moving from off-exchange coverage to on-exchange to access tax credit benefits.

Current Enrollees: Clients who are enrolled on Exchange and become newly eligible for tax credits, their tax credits change, or they experience a change in cost-sharing reductions tier.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

View the Public health emergency FAQ to learn more about Apple Health and the PHE.

More information

HCA will continue to share updates as new information becomes available. Follow them on social media for updates on Apple Health and the PHE. For more information, visit hca.wa.gov/coronavirus.

Kristin Manwaring Insurance

2300 South Park Avenue

Port Townsend, WA 98368

(360) 385-4400