Washington state residents can apply for Apple Health, the state's Medicaid program, through the WashingtonConnection portal at washingtonconnection.org. The portal lets you apply online in one sitting, save your progress and come back later, upload verification documents, and track your application status. This guide covers the 2026 income limits, who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to complete the application from start to finish.
What Is Apple Health?
Apple Health is Washington's name for Medicaid, the free or low-cost health insurance program funded jointly by the state and federal government. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental care, and vision for eligible Washington residents.
Washington expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means adults ages 19 to 64 who earn at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify regardless of family status, disability status, or whether they have children. There is no asset test for most Apple Health programs.
Apple Health Income Limits 2026
Income limits updated on April 1, 2026 when the new federal poverty level took effect. The limits below reflect the current 2026 standards.
Adults Ages 19 to 64 (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $1,835 |
| 2 people | $2,490 |
| 3 people | $3,142 |
| 4 people | $3,795 |
| 5 people | $4,449 |
| 6 people | $5,102 |
| Each additional person | +$654 |
Washington applies a built-in 5% income disregard, so the effective limit is slightly above the standard 138% FPL threshold. There is no asset test for MAGI-based adults.
Children Under Age 19 (215% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,860 |
| 2 people | $3,879 |
| 3 people | $4,896 |
| 4 people | $5,913 |
| 5 people | $6,932 |
| 6 people | $7,949 |
| Each additional person | +$1,019 |
Families with higher incomes may qualify for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) coverage at up to 317% FPL, with a $30 monthly premium per child.
Pregnant Women (215% FPL)
Pregnant women qualify under the same thresholds as children. Washington counts unborn children when calculating household size, which can raise the income limit. After delivery, mothers receive 12 months of postpartum Apple Health coverage at no cost.
Seniors and People With Disabilities (65 and older, or SSI-linked)
Residents who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability follow different income standards tied to SSI rules. The income limit is approximately $994 per month for a single individual in 2026. An asset test does apply to these programs.
Long-Term Care and Nursing Facility Programs
Washington's long-term care Medicaid programs use a Special Income Level. The 2026 limit is approximately $2,982 per month for a single individual. These programs require both income and asset verification.
Medicare Savings Programs
Washington residents who have Medicare can also apply for Medicare Savings Programs through Apple Health. These programs help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. Income limits range from 110% to 135% FPL depending on the specific program.
Who Qualifies for Apple Health
To qualify, you generally must:
- Live in Washington state
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet immigration status requirements
- Fall within the income limits for your household size and category
- Not be incarcerated
Most working-age adults qualify based on income alone. You do not need to prove a medical condition, disability, or pregnancy to qualify for standard adult coverage.
Washington also offers Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD), which extends coverage to people with disabilities who work and earn too much for standard disability Medicaid but would otherwise lose coverage.
What You Need Before Applying
Gather this information before starting your application on WashingtonConnection:
Identity and household:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each person applying
- Social Security numbers for household members not applying (optional but can help)
- Immigration documents if applicable (green card, visa, employment authorization)
Income:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) for each working household member
- Self-employment records, including recent tax returns or profit/loss statements
- Documentation of other income: Social Security, disability payments, pension, child support, or alimony
Residency:
- A Washington state address is required
- Proof of address is not always required upfront, but DSHS may request it during verification
You do not need to have every document in hand before submitting your application. The state may contact you after submission to request additional verification, and you will have at least 10 calendar days to respond.
How to Apply Through WashingtonConnection
WashingtonConnection at washingtonconnection.org handles Apple Health alongside other state benefits like food assistance, childcare, and cash assistance. You can apply for multiple programs in one application.
Step 1: Go to WashingtonConnection
Visit washingtonconnection.org. Click "Apply for benefits" on the homepage.
Step 2: Create an Account or Continue as a Guest
Creating an account is the better option for most people. With an account you can:
- Save your application progress and return later
- Upload verification documents directly to the portal
- Check your application status online
- Receive notices electronically instead of by mail
If you prefer, you can also submit a guest application without creating an account, but you will not be able to track your status online.
Step 3: Select the Programs You Want
The portal lets you apply for multiple benefit programs at once. Select Apple Health (Medicaid) along with any other programs you may need, such as Basic Food (SNAP) or childcare assistance.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Work through each section of the application:
- Household composition: List everyone living with you and their relationship to you
- Personal information: Enter names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
- Immigration status: Indicate citizenship or immigration status for each person
- Income: Enter all income sources for every household member, including employment, self-employment, and benefit payments
- Health coverage: Note any current health insurance you or household members have
The application takes roughly 20 to 45 minutes for a typical household. You can save and return at any point if you need to gather more information.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Review your answers before submitting. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number to reference when checking your status.
Step 6: Respond to Any Verification Requests
After submission, DSHS may contact you to request documents verifying your income, identity, or residency. Respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays. You can upload documents directly to your WashingtonConnection account or mail or fax them to your local DSHS office.
Step 7: Receive Your Coverage Decision
For most MAGI-based Apple Health applications (adults under 65, children, pregnant women), the state aims to make a determination within a few weeks. Coverage can be backdated to the date you applied, and in some cases to the first day of the month you applied.
Other Ways to Apply
WashingtonConnection is the fastest and most convenient option, but you can also apply through these channels:
Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org): This is the state's ACA marketplace. You can apply for Apple Health and Marketplace coverage in the same application. If you earn too much for Apple Health, Healthplanfinder will automatically route you to subsidized Marketplace plans.
By phone: Call 1-877-501-2233 to reach DSHS. A worker can take your application over the phone and help you understand eligibility requirements.
In person: Visit your local DSHS Community Services Office. Walk-in and scheduled appointments are available. Find your nearest office at dshs.wa.gov.
By mail or fax: Download the Apple Health application form from the HCA website, complete it, and mail or fax it to DSHS.
After You Are Approved
Once approved for Apple Health, you will receive a letter and a HealthPlanFinder account notice explaining which managed care plan you have been enrolled in (if applicable). Washington uses several managed care organizations to deliver Apple Health benefits, including Molina Healthcare, Coordinated Care, Community Health Plan, and others depending on your county.
You can also choose or switch your managed care plan during your enrollment period.
Apple Health coverage is free for most enrollees. There are no premiums and no deductibles for standard adult Medicaid. Some programs may have small copays for certain services.
Renewing your coverage: Apple Health is renewed annually. The state will send you a renewal notice before your coverage expires. You can renew online through WashingtonConnection or Healthplanfinder. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Use Our Free Screener First
Not sure if you qualify? Our free benefits screener at benefitsusa.org/screener checks Apple Health eligibility along with 10 other federal and state programs. Enter your ZIP code, household size, and income and get results in minutes, with no account required.
You can also explore all Washington state benefit programs at benefitsusa.org/states/washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WashingtonConnection portal?
WashingtonConnection (washingtonconnection.org) is Washington state's online portal for applying for multiple benefit programs, including Apple Health (Medicaid), Basic Food (SNAP), childcare assistance, and cash assistance. It is run by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Is Apple Health the same as Medicaid?
Yes. Apple Health is Washington state's name for its Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents funded jointly by Washington state and the federal government.
What is the income limit for Apple Health in 2026?
For adults ages 19 to 64, the income limit is $1,835 per month for a single person (138% FPL). For children, it is $2,860 per month for a one-person household (215% FPL). Pregnant women follow the same limits as children. Limits updated on April 1, 2026.
Can I apply for Apple Health if I have a job?
Yes. Apple Health does not require you to be unemployed. Many working adults qualify based on their income level. If you work and have a disability, you may also qualify for Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD), which extends coverage to people who earn above standard limits.
How long does it take to get approved?
For MAGI-based programs (adults, children, pregnant women), most applications are processed within a few weeks. Long-term care Medicaid applications can take up to 45 days. Responding quickly to any verification requests significantly speeds up the process.
Do I need to provide documents to apply?
You will need to provide income, household, and identity information during the application. You do not need all documents in hand before submitting. If DSHS needs additional verification, they will contact you after submission and give you at least 10 calendar days to respond.
Can immigrants apply for Apple Health?
Washington Apple Health covers some immigrants depending on immigration status and how long they have lived in the U.S. Lawful permanent residents and certain other qualified immigrants may be eligible. Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for full Apple Health but may qualify for limited emergency Medicaid. The application will walk you through immigration status questions.
What does Apple Health cover?
Apple Health covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, dental care (for most adult programs), vision care, lab tests, and preventive care. Coverage details can vary by the specific Apple Health program and managed care plan.
Can I apply for Apple Health and SNAP at the same time on WashingtonConnection?
Yes. WashingtonConnection lets you apply for multiple programs in a single application. You can apply for Apple Health and Basic Food (SNAP) together, saving time compared to applying separately.
What if I earn too much for Apple Health?
If your income is above Apple Health limits, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder (wahealthplanfinder.org). Premium tax credits are available for households earning between 100% and 400% FPL, and in some cases higher. The WashingtonConnection and Healthplanfinder applications will route you to the right program based on your income.
