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Big changes are coming to Apple Health starting this fall, and families may have questions about what these changes mean for their coverage. Here’s what we know—and where to turn for help.

Key Takeaways

Apple Health eligibility is changing: Federal changes begin October 1, 2026, with additional changes coming in 2027.

Some people will be affected, but important protections remain: Children, pregnant individuals and people within 12 months postpartum remain eligible regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet other program requirements.

Help is available: WithinReach Resource Navigators can help families understand their coverage options and navigate applications, enrollment and changes. Get health insurance help today!

What Families Can Do Now

1. Keep information up to date.

Make sure the address, phone number, email address and other information are current in the Washington Healthplanfinder account. This helps ensure families receive important notices about their coverage.

2. Read every notice about coverage.

Letters or emails from Washington Healthplanfinder or the Health Care Authority may explain a change in eligibility, request additional information or outline steps needed to maintain coverage. Reading each notice carefully can help families understand what action may be needed.

3. Don’t assume coverage isn’t available.

If Apple Health coverage changes, other options may be available. Depending on their circumstances, families may qualify for another Apple Health program, a qualified health plan through Washington Healthplanfinder or state financial assistance that can help make coverage more affordable.

What’s Changing October 1?

Starting October 1, 2026, federal changes will affect Apple Health eligibility for some noncitizen adults.

Under the new rules, certain immigration statuses that currently qualify for federally funded Medicaid will no longer qualify. This includes some refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors, Violence Against Women Act self-petitioners, and people with certain types of humanitarian parole. People who are affected will lose eligibility for Apple Health after September 30, 2026.

Some important protections remain

Children and pregnant individuals remain eligible for Apple Health regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet the other program requirements. People within 12 months postpartum also remain eligible for coverage regardless of immigration status.

That means a change in one family member’s eligibility does not necessarily mean a family loses coverage altogether. Other members of the household may remain eligible for Apple Health or qualify for other affordable coverage options.

More Changes Are Coming in 2027

The October 1 changes are only the beginning. Additional federal changes are scheduled to take effect in 2027, including:

• Work, training, or community engagement requirements: Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will need to complete 80 hours per month of work, training, or community engagement, with exceptions.
• More frequent renewals: Some adults will need to renew their Apple Health coverage every six months instead of every 12 months.
• Changes to retroactive coverage: The amount of time coverage can be applied retroactively will be reduced for certain Apple Health programs.

HCA is continuing to develop and implement these changes, so the details may continue to evolve. The best way to stay informed is to keep your contact information up to date and pay attention to notices from Washington Healthplanfinder and the Health Care Authority.

Support Is Available

When health coverage rules change, having someone trusted to help make sense of the options can make all the difference.

All of WithinReach’s Resource Navigators are trained and certified as Health Insurance Navigators by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. They provide free, confidential, one-on-one assistance in multiple languages and can help families:

• Complete a Washington Healthplanfinder application and enroll in health insurance coverage.
• Understand coverage options and available financial assistance.
• Navigate cultural, linguistic, disability or other individual needs.
• Maintain coverage by navigating renewals, changes and requests for additional information.

Whether a family is trying to understand how new Apple Health rules may affect their coverage, complete an application or find another affordable coverage option, no one has to navigate the health insurance system alone.

Connect With WithinReach

Call Help Me Grow Washington: 1-800-322-2588

Our team can connect families with a Resource Navigator who can help them understand their options and take the next step toward coverage.

Know a family who could use support? Share this information with them or connect them with Help Me Grow Washington.

For organizations and community partners: Join the Washington Coalition on Medicaid Outreach (WCOMO) Community to receive timely updates and resources as these changes continue to unfold.