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

Eligible Everyone

Cascade Care Savings

Eligible Everyone

Tax Credits

Eligible Lawfully present immigrants

Not eligible People who are undocumented

Apple Health

Eligible Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar*

Not eligible Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar*

Not eligible People who are undocumented

Not eligible Lawfully present non-qualified

*Please see "Who is exempt from the 5-year bar"

Apple Health for Kids

Eligible Everyone

After-Pregnancy Coverage

Eligible 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.

Eligible People who are undocumented

Not eligible Lawfully present non-qualified***

Not eligible Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar

Not eligible Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar

Not eligible U.S. Citizens and nationals

Limited-coverage options

These plans cover certain services or situations.

Program

Who is Eligible?

Family Planning Only

Eligible Everyone

Medical Care Services

Eligible Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar

Eligible Undocumented immigrants *

Not eligible Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar

Not eligible U.S. Citizens and Nationals

*If eligible for a program associated with WAC 388-424-0001 (4)

Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals

Eligible Everyone

Alien Emergency Medical

Eligible Lawfully present non-qualified

Eligible Lawfully present immigrants not past the 5-year bar

Eligible Undocumented immigrants

Not eligible Lawfully present immigrants past the 5-year bar

Not eligible 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.