Health Care Options for Immigrants

Federal Public Charge Rules

Reduce Fear with Facts

Effective as of Dec. 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has returned to longstanding public charge policy, making it safe for non-citizens and their families to access health programs for which they qualify. Many non-citizen residents could be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Receiving health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder – including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) will not affect your or a family member’s immigration status or citizenship application. More information about Medicaid is available from Apple Health.

When you apply for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, citizenship or immigration status information is only used to determine health plan eligibility. Federal and state laws protect your privacy. This information is not used for immigration enforcement.

If you have questions about federal public charge rules, your status or a family member’s status, and/or use of benefits, contact one of the following organizations for free and confidential help:

CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): NWIRP Seattle Office: 206-587-4009; NWIRP Yakima Valley (Granger) Office: 509-854-2100; NWIRP Wenatchee Office: 509-570-0054

Health Care Options for Immigrants

Starting this November, everyone who lives in Washington state will have the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.

Learn more about Health Care Options for Immigrants

Full-Coverage Options

These care options cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more.

Full-Coverage Options	Who is Eligible?
Cascade Care Plans	Everyone
Cascade Care Savings	Everyone
Qualified Health Plans with Tax Credits	Lawfully present immigrants People who are undocumented
Washington Apple Health *Eligibility for Immigrants (English PDF).	Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar* Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar* People who are undocumented
Washington Apple Health for Kids	Everyone

Limited Coverage Options

These plans cover certain services or situations.

Limited Coverage Options	Who is Eligible?
Family Planning Only	Everyone
Medical Care Services	Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar People who are undocumented Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar U.S. Citizens and Nationals
Washington Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals	Everyone
Alien Emergency Medical	Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar People who are undocumented Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar U.S. Citizens and Nationals

What are my options?

Please see the Eligibility Chart: What Coverage Can I Get As An Immigrant? (English PDF)

What documents do I need to submit?

You can find the documents you need in the Document Center of your account. You can also view a full list of accepted identification documents.

There are laws protecting your personal information

Federal and state laws generally protect the privacy of people who apply for or receive health care coverage, nutrition, economic support, or other public benefits. Information provided through Washington Healthplanfinder is shared with other government agencies only for purposes of determining eligibility for health insurance coverage.

Get Started!

Immigrants can apply for coverage

Apply for coverage today.

Who Can Sign Up?