The state legislature approved funding for a Medicaid/Apple Health-like program for adults earning less than 138% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status during the 2023 legislative session. The program is slated to begin July 1, 2024. This change is expected to increase health coverage in our state. WSHA supported this change in the legislature.
Undocumented immigrants will also be able to purchase health insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder for the first time beginning in November 2023. Coverage would begin in January 2024. The legislature also invested state funds so that all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, can receive Cascade Care Savings subsidies to reduce their monthly premiums beginning in 2024.
Effective May 12, 2023, HCA rescinded an emergency rulemaking which provided expanded COVID-19 related coverage for individuals eligible for Alien Emergent Medical (AEM) coverage during the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Alien emergency medical programs. Alien emergency medical programs are for individuals ages 19-64 who do not meet immigration status or citizenship requirements of the Apple Health or other programs, and who have a qualifying medical condition.
For more information about limited coverage options that are available to Washingtonian noncitizens under the Apple Health program, please visit the Noncitizen HCA designated webpage. (Mary Storace)
