Washington's Medicaid program is called Apple Health, and it covers more than 2 million state residents. If you're wondering whether your income is low enough to qualify, the short answer for most adults is: you can earn up to $1,835 per month (single person) and still be eligible. That threshold comes from the 138% Federal Poverty Level standard Washington uses for ACA expansion adults, and it updated on April 1, 2026 when the new federal poverty guidelines took effect.
This guide breaks down every income limit by program category, household size, and shows you exactly how to apply.
What Is Apple Health?
Apple Health is Washington State's Medicaid program, administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). It provides free or very low-cost health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, dental, and vision. Washington expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults ages 19 to 64 without dependents are covered, not just families with children.
Different parts of Apple Health have different income and asset rules depending on your age, disability status, and family situation.
2026 Income Limits by Coverage Category
The 2026 limits below apply after the April 1, 2026 federal poverty level update. MAGI-based programs (most adults, children, pregnant women) use these updated numbers. Non-MAGI programs for seniors and people with disabilities updated January 1, 2026.
Adults Ages 19 to 64 (ACA Expansion)
Adults qualify at up to 138% of the FPL. Washington applies a built-in 5% income disregard, which effectively raises the usable limit slightly above the nominal 138%.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,480 | $29,755 |
| 3 | $3,121 | $37,454 |
| 4 | $3,761 | $45,135 |
| 5 | $4,401 | $52,815 |
| 6 | $5,041 | $60,495 |
No asset test applies for ACA expansion adults. Only income is counted.
Children Ages 0 to 18
Children qualify at up to 215% FPL under the standard Apple Health Children program. Washington also has a CHIP tier that goes up to 317% FPL with a small monthly premium.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit (215% FPL) | Monthly Limit CHIP (317% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $2,804 | $4,134 |
| 2 | $3,760 | $5,540 |
| 3 | $4,716 | $6,947 |
| 4 | $5,672 | $8,353 |
| 5 | $6,628 | $9,759 |
| 6 | $7,584 | $11,166 |
The CHIP tier carries a $30 monthly premium. Below 215% FPL, children pay nothing.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant individuals qualify at up to 215% FPL, the same ceiling as children. Coverage also extends 12 months postpartum through the After-Pregnancy Coverage program, meaning you stay enrolled for a full year after delivery even if your income rises above the limit afterward.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,860 |
| 2 | $3,831 |
| 3 | $4,803 |
| 4 | $5,774 |
| 5 | $6,745 |
| 6 | $7,717 |
No asset test applies.
Seniors and People with Disabilities (Classic Medicaid)
For Washington residents who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, Apple Health uses a different income standard based on SSI-linked rules. The income limit is approximately $994 per month for a single individual. Asset limits also apply to this category, with a $2,000 savings limit for most enrollees.
Long-Term Care (Nursing Home or In-Home Care)
Washington's Medicaid long-term care programs use a Special Income Level. For 2026, the monthly income limit is approximately $2,982. This covers both nursing facility care and some in-home services. Applicants in this category go through a more detailed financial review that includes asset limits and a look-back period.
Asset Rules
| Program Category | Asset Test? | Limit |
|---|
| Adults 19-64 (ACA expansion) | No | None |
| Children | No | None |
| Pregnant women | No | None |
| Seniors / disabled (SSI-linked) | Yes | $2,000 |
| Long-term care | Yes | Varies by program |
Washington eliminated asset tests for Medicare Savings Programs in recent years, meaning seniors who need help with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing face only an income test.
Income That Counts (and What Doesn't)
Apple Health uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules for most programs. MAGI includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security income (counted at 75% in most cases)
- Unemployment compensation
- Alimony received (if divorce finalized before 2019)
MAGI does not count:
- Child support received
- Gifts
- Most scholarships and grants used for education
- Veterans' benefits (in most cases)
For SSI-linked programs serving seniors and people with disabilities, MAGI rules do not apply. Those programs use separate income calculation rules through DSHS.
What Apple Health Covers
Full Apple Health coverage includes:
- Primary care and specialist visits
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Emergency services
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Preventive services
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Lab tests and imaging
Most enrollees pay no premiums and no copays. Some limited cost-sharing applies for certain adult services above specific income thresholds, but it is minimal.
How to Apply for Apple Health in 2026
There is no enrollment period for Apple Health. You can apply any day of the year and coverage can start retroactively in some cases.
Step 1: Gather your documents
You will need:
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying (or immigration document numbers if applicable)
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, a tax return, or benefit award letters
- Proof of Washington residency: utility bill, lease, or similar document
- Birth dates for all household members
Step 2: Choose your application method
You have four options:
- Online at Washington Healthplanfinder (wahbexchange.org) - fastest method, can complete in under 30 minutes
- By phone at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY: 1-855-627-9604), Monday through Friday
- By mail using paper application form HCA 18-001 downloaded from hca.wa.gov
- In person at a Community Service Office, community health center, or through a certified enrollment assister
For seniors or people with disabilities applying for Classic Medicaid or long-term care, apply through Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org or call 1-877-501-2233.
Step 3: Submit your application
Once submitted, most MAGI-based applications (adults, children, pregnant women) are processed within 45 days. Many receive near-instant eligibility decisions online. Long-term care applications take longer due to the financial review process.
Step 4: Choose a managed care plan
Most Apple Health enrollees are placed in an Integrated Managed Care (IMC) plan. You may receive a letter asking you to choose a plan or you will be auto-assigned. Plans include Coordinated Care, Community Health Plan of Washington, Molina Healthcare, and others depending on your county.
Step 5: Use your coverage
Your Apple Health card or enrollment confirmation will arrive by mail. Most managed care plans also offer a member portal where you can find in-network providers, request a replacement card, and manage your account.
Renewing Your Coverage
Apple Health must be renewed annually. Washington uses an automated renewal process that checks whether your income still qualifies using tax data and other records. If automatic renewal is successful, you will get a notice saying your coverage was renewed. If it cannot be confirmed automatically, you will receive a renewal form to complete. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Recent Changes for 2026
A few notable updates affect Apple Health eligibility in 2026:
MAGI income limits updated April 1, 2026. The new federal poverty level guidelines increased the dollar thresholds for adults, children, pregnant women, and family planning programs. If you were previously denied or fell just over the limit, it is worth reapplying.
Apple Health for Immigrant Adults (AHIA) closed to new applicants. Washington previously expanded Apple Health to undocumented adults through a state-funded program. Enrollment in that specific expansion closed in December 2025. Residents who were already enrolled retain coverage, but new applications are no longer being accepted.
Medicare Savings Programs now income-only. Washington removed the asset test for its Medicare Savings Programs, which help low-income Medicare enrollees pay premiums and cost-sharing. If you were previously denied due to assets, you may now qualify.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Not sure where you stand? Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to check your Apple Health eligibility along with SNAP, CHIP, ACA subsidies, and other programs in one place. It takes about three minutes and does not require you to share personal identifying information.
You can also browse Washington-specific programs and resources at /states/washington.
For official information, contact the Washington State Health Care Authority at 1-800-562-3022 or visit hca.wa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Washington State in 2026?
For adults ages 19 to 64, the limit is $1,835 per month for a single person, or about $22,025 per year. This is 138% of the federal poverty level. For children, the limit is higher at 215% FPL, which is approximately $2,804 per month for a household of one child. Pregnant women also qualify at 215% FPL.
Does Washington Medicaid have an asset test in 2026?
For most Apple Health enrollees, including ACA expansion adults, children, and pregnant women, there is no asset or savings test. You only need to meet the income limit. Asset limits do apply to seniors and people with disabilities in SSI-linked programs (generally $2,000), and to long-term care applicants.
How is Apple Health different from regular Medicaid?
Apple Health is Washington's name for its Medicaid program. They are the same program. Washington State Health Care Authority administers Apple Health, which is funded by a combination of federal Medicaid dollars and state funds.
Can I apply for Apple Health if I'm undocumented?
Washington previously offered the Apple Health for Immigrant Adults (AHIA) program to undocumented adults, but that program closed to new enrollees in December 2025. Emergency Medicaid coverage is still available for qualifying medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Children may qualify through CHIP regardless of immigration status in some cases.
How long does Apple Health approval take?
Most MAGI-based applications for adults, children, and pregnant women are processed within 45 days, and many online applications receive faster determinations. Long-term care applications take longer due to the financial review process.
What if my income goes over the limit mid-year?
You are required to report income changes to Apple Health. If your income rises above the eligibility limit, your coverage will end. However, you may then qualify for subsidized coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. If your income dropped temporarily and you lost coverage, you can reapply any time.
Can I get Apple Health if I have a job with health insurance available?
In most cases, yes. Having access to employer coverage does not automatically disqualify you from Apple Health if your income is within the eligibility limits. However, there are rules around employer-sponsored insurance and dependent coverage that can affect eligibility. The application process will walk through this.
Does Apple Health cover dental and vision?
Yes. Apple Health covers dental care including exams, cleanings, fillings, and some extractions. Vision coverage includes eye exams and glasses for most enrollees. Coverage details vary slightly by managed care plan.
