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 Tacoma Office: 253-235-9279; NWIRP Yakima Valley (Granger) Office: 509-854-2100; NWIRP Wenatchee Office: 509-570-0054

Health care options for immigrants

Everyone who lives in Washington state can buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.

Learn more about health care options for immigrants

Apple Health Expansion program enrollment update

The enrollment limit for Apple Health Expansion has been met for individuals age 19-64 but there is still time to apply! If you have not yet applied for coverage, complete an application so you will be included in the random selection if space opens in the program.

Learn more and how to apply at hca.wa.gov/apple-health-expansion

Full-coverage options

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

Program	Who is Eligible?
Cascade Care Plans	Everyone
Cascade Care Savings	Everyone
Tax Credits	Lawfully present immigrants, including DACA recipients People who are undocumented
Apple Health	Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar* Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar* People who are undocumented Lawfully present non-qualified *Please see "Who is exempt from the 5-year bar"
Apple Health for Kids	Everyone
After-Pregnancy Coverage	Everyone
Apple Health Expansion Apple Health Expansion is a limited enrollment program ***Some lawfully present non-qualified statuses may be eligible if they are not employment authorized.	People who are undocumented Lawfully present non-qualified*** Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar U.S. Citizens and nationals Deferred action for childhood arrivals

Limited-coverage options

These plans cover certain services or situations.

Program	Who is Eligible?
Family Planning Only	Everyone
Medical Care Services	Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar Undocumented immigrants * Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar U.S. Citizens and Nationals *If eligible for a program associated with WAC 388-424-0001 (4)
Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals	Everyone
Alien Emergency Medical	Lawfully present non-qualified Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar Undocumented immigrants Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar U.S. Citizens and Nationals

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!

Apply for coverage today.

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