Keeping UW Students Covered
Apple Health (Medicaid) information, tools, and people who can help UW Seattle students stay covered and protect access to care.
| Important This page provides general education and navigation. It does not determine whether you qualify for Apple Health, whether an exemption applies, or whether a particular service is covered. Apple Health rules and implementation details can change. Use the official links on this page for current information. |
If you only read five things
1. Keep your information current. Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email are up to date so important Apple Health notices reach you.
2. Read every notice. Watch your mail, email, texts, and Washington Healthplanfinder account. Respond by the deadline on your notice.
3. Know which plan you have. Keep your plan, insurance card, ProviderOne/member information, and plan contact information somewhere you can find them.
4. Protect your access to care. Before changing plans—or before you need care—check your providers, clinics, pharmacy, prescriptions, mental health care, referrals, and planned services.
5. Ask for help early. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself. Free Navigators, King County CHAP, Husky Health, LiveWell, HCA, and other resources can help depending on the problem.
Useful links: HCA changes | Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP | LiveWell
Expanded action checklist
1. Keep your information current
Check that your mailing address, phone number, and email are current. Report required changes when your address, income, household, school, or work situation changes.
Go here: Healthplanfinder manage coverage
2. Read every notice, renew on time, and save deadlines
Open messages about your Apple Health coverage. Check whether the notice asks you to renew, verify information, submit proof, respond, appeal, or take another action. The deadline on your notice should guide what you do next.
Go here: Washington Healthplanfinder
3. Know your plan and keep your plan information
Use your insurance card, ProviderOne/member information, Washington Healthplanfinder account, or health plan account to identify your plan. Save the information somewhere easy to find.
Go here: Washington Healthplanfinder
4. Protect access to care
Check whether your providers/clinic, pharmacy, prescriptions, mental health care, specialists, referrals, scheduled procedures, and other planned services work with your plan. Before changing plans, check anything you want to keep.
Go here: Husky Health Insurance & Cost
5. Know what is changing
Some Apple Health changes begin in October 2026 and others in 2027–2028. If you have Apple Health for Adults, pay particular attention to six-month renewals and the new work requirement beginning in 2027.
Go here: HCA changes
6. Get help early
If you receive a denial, termination, verification request, bill, appeal notice, or something you do not understand, ask for help before the deadline. For bills or coverage problems, use the Get help section below to route to the right resource.
Go here: King County CHAP
What is changing and when?
| Changes are being phased in. Not every change affects every Apple Health program or every student. Read any notice you receive, and use the official HCA links for the most current details. HCA provides multilingual fact sheets for several of these changes. |
| When | What is changing | What you should know / do |
| Before October 1, 2026 | Get ready | Keep contact information current, know your plan, read notices, and save deadlines. Official source |
| OCT. 1, 2026 | Some noncitizen eligibility rules change | Federal Medicaid eligibility changes affect some noncitizen adults. If you receive an HCA or DSHS notice, use that notice as your starting point and get help if needed. Official source |
| JAN. 1, 2027 | Work requirements begin for Apple Health for Adults | People eligible for Apple Health for Adults will need to meet the work requirement or have an exemption. Current HCA guidance includes half-time education as one way to meet the requirement. Official source |
| JAN. 1, 2027 | Six-month renewals begin for Apple Health for Adults | Coverage periods change from 12 months to six months. Your own renewal notice and renewal date control what you need to do. Official source |
| JAN. 1, 2027 | Retroactive coverage and verification change | Retroactive coverage becomes shorter, and additional eligibility verification processes begin. Keep your address and account information current. Official source |
| OCT. 1, 2028 | Cost-sharing begins for some Apple Health for Adults services | Current HCA guidance says cost-sharing of up to $35 will apply to many services for some Apple Health for Adults enrollees; HCA lists exceptions. Official source |
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended web implementation: accordions grouped under the six topic headings below.
Apple Health basics
1. What is Apple Health?
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is Washington State’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. Apple Health applications are accepted year-round.
Useful links: Washington Healthplanfinder | HCA changes
2. Who is this page for?
This page is primarily for UW Seattle students who already have Apple Health, think they may qualify, are trying to understand upcoming changes, have questions about renewals, plans, providers, prescriptions, or notices, or are helping another student find the right resource. It can also serve as a plain-language starting point for UW staff making referrals.
3. What are HCA and Washington Healthplanfinder?
Apple Health is the coverage program. The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) administers Apple Health. Washington Healthplanfinder is the state platform through which many people apply for and manage Apple Health and other health coverage. You do not need to memorize the organizational distinctions—the important thing is knowing where to go for the task you need to complete.
Useful links: HCA changes | Washington Healthplanfinder | UW Medicine Apple Health
What is changing?
4. What major Apple Health changes should UW students know about?
Changes are being implemented in phases. Key dates include October 1, 2026 for some noncitizen eligibility changes; January 1, 2027 for Apple Health for Adults work requirements, six-month renewals, shorter retroactive coverage, and additional verification; and October 1, 2028 for cost-sharing of up to $35 for many services for some Apple Health for Adults enrollees.
Useful links: HCA changes
5. Is there anything I should do now?
Yes. You do not need to become an Apple Health policy expert. Keep your contact information current, open and read notices, know your plan, check providers and prescriptions, save important deadlines, and ask for help early.
6. What is changing for some noncitizen students and other noncitizen adults?
Beginning October 1, 2026, federal Medicaid eligibility rules change for some noncitizens. HCA is communicating with people whose coverage may be affected. If you receive an HCA or DSHS notice about immigration-related eligibility, read it carefully and respond as directed. Do not use a general webpage to decide whether the change applies to you.
Useful links: HCA noncitizens | HCA: Noncitizen fact sheet | Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP
7. Who does the new work requirement apply to?
Beginning January 1, 2027, people eligible for Apple Health for Adults will need to meet the work requirement or have an exemption. It does not apply to every Apple Health program. Use HCA’s current page for the latest exclusions, exceptions, and exemptions.
Useful links: HCA work requirements
8. Does being a UW student count toward the requirement?
It can. Current HCA guidance says enrollment in an educational program at least half-time is one way to meet the work requirement for Apple Health for Adults. Even if you are enrolled at least half-time, continue to read renewal and verification notices because you may still need to confirm information.
Useful links: HCA work requirements
9. What if I work, study, volunteer, or do a combination of activities?
HCA currently lists several ways to meet the requirement, including half-time education, work, qualifying work programs, community service, and combinations of qualifying activities. Because thresholds and details can be updated, use HCA’s current guidance rather than relying on a static UW list.
Useful links: HCA work requirements
10. Are there exemptions from the work requirement?
Yes. HCA lists exemptions and special categories. We do not reproduce the entire list. If you think an exemption may apply, check HCA’s current guidance or ask for help rather than assuming yes or no.
Useful links: HCA work requirements | King County CHAP
11. What if Apple Health asks me for proof?
If available information cannot verify that you meet a requirement or exemption, you may receive a notice asking for additional information. Read the notice carefully, pay attention to its deadline, and respond as instructed. If you are unsure what to provide, contact HCA, Washington Healthplanfinder, CHAP, or a Navigator.
Useful links: Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP | HCA changes
12. What is changing about renewals?
Beginning January 1, 2027, Apple Health for Adults moves from 12-month to six-month coverage periods. Your renewal date is still based on your own coverage cycle. Read your renewal notice and set reminders based on the date in your notice.
Useful links: HCA apply or renew | Healthplanfinder manage coverage
13. What is retroactive coverage, and what is changing?
Retroactive coverage can help pay for eligible medical care received before the month in which someone applied for Apple Health. Beginning January 1, 2027, Apple Health for Adults retroactive coverage is reduced to one month before the application month, while other Apple Health programs generally move to two months. Do not wait until you need care or have a large unpaid bill to deal with a coverage problem.
Useful links: HCA changes | UW Medicine: Apple Health changes
14. What are the new verification requirements?
Beginning in 2027, implementation includes additional eligibility verification processes, including address verification. For students, the practical message is simple: keep your address and other account information current, especially when you move.
Useful links: HCA changes | Healthplanfinder manage coverage | Washington Healthplanfinder: Report a Change
15. Will Apple Health start charging copays or other cost-sharing?
Current HCA guidance says that beginning October 1, 2028, some people enrolled in Apple Health for Adults may pay cost-sharing of up to $35 for many services. HCA lists exceptions, and details may continue to develop before implementation.
Useful links: HCA changes
Staying covered
16. How do I renew Apple Health coverage or report a change?
Your renewal date is based on your own coverage cycle, so read the renewal notice you receive. If you manage coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, use your account to manage coverage and report changes. Apple Health renewals occur throughout the year rather than during one single annual enrollment window.
Useful links: Healthplanfinder manage coverage | HCA apply or renew | Washington Healthplanfinder: Report a Change
17. I missed a notice or renewal deadline. What should I do?
Act quickly rather than assuming the problem cannot be fixed. Check your Washington Healthplanfinder account, read the notice again, and contact the organization identified on it. A Navigator or CHAP may also help you understand your next step. If the notice involves termination, denial, verification, or an appeal deadline, ask for help as soon as possible.
Useful links: Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP
18. What if I disagree with a coverage or eligibility decision?
You may have appeal rights. Do not rely on this FAQ for an appeal deadline. Read the notice you received because it contains the instructions and deadlines that apply to your situation.
Useful links: Healthplanfinder rights
Plans, providers, prescriptions, and care
19. How do I know which Apple Health plan I have?
Start with your insurance card or member ID, ProviderOne information, Washington Healthplanfinder account, or health plan account. If you are still unsure, contact HCA, Washington Healthplanfinder, your plan, or a Navigator. The key is knowing your own plan and how to check its network.
Useful links: Washington Healthplanfinder | Husky Health Insurance & Cost
20. Which Apple Health plans work with Husky Health or UW Medicine?
Network participation can change and can depend on the exact plan and service. The safest approach is to check current Husky Health/UW Medicine insurance information and confirm with your health plan before scheduling care or changing plans. This UW student page does not maintain a static list of managed-care plans.
Useful links: Husky Health Insurance & Cost | UW Medicine Insurance & Coverage | UW Medicine: Health Benefit Exchange
21. What should I check before choosing or changing plans?
Before changing an Apple Health managed-care plan, check whether the new plan works with the care you want to keep.
Your provider or clinic.
Your pharmacy and prescription medications.
Mental health providers and specialists.
Pending referrals.
Scheduled procedures or imaging.
Services that may require prior authorization.
Useful links: Husky Health Insurance & Cost | Washington Healthplanfinder
22. My plan changed. What should I check first?
Check your card/member information, provider or clinic, pharmacy and medications, current referrals, prior authorizations, and scheduled appointments. Students may only discover a plan problem when they try to fill a prescription or receive care, so check before a problem becomes urgent.
Useful links: Husky Health Insurance & Cost | UW Medicine Insurance & Coverage | UW Medicine: Health Benefit Exchange
Student-life situations
23. I am turning 19, becoming financially independent, or changing households. What should I do?
Life transitions can affect how you apply for or manage Apple Health. Do not wait until coverage has ended or until you need care. Gather the information you have, report required changes, and ask for help if household, tax-dependent, income, or family questions are confusing.
Useful links: Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP | LiveWell
24. I have Medicaid from another state or will be temporarily outside Washington. What should I do?
Do not assume an out-of-state Medicaid plan will provide routine coverage in Seattle—or that Apple Health will cover routine care everywhere outside Washington. If you are moving, studying elsewhere temporarily, doing an internship, conducting research, or traveling for an extended period, contact your plan or an appropriate enrollment resource to understand your options.
Useful links: Husky Health Insurance & Cost | Washington Healthplanfinder
25. I am an international or noncitizen student. Where should I start?
Coverage options can depend on immigration category, residency, student status, and other circumstances. Federal Medicaid eligibility rules change for some noncitizens beginning October 1, 2026, so avoid trying to determine eligibility from a generic checklist alone. Start with current HCA information, Washington Healthplanfinder, a Navigator or CHAP, and—when appropriate—UW international-student or trusted immigration/legal resources.
Useful links: HCA noncitizens | Washington Healthplanfinder | King County CHAP
Bills and other needs
26. Why might I receive a bill, and what if I cannot pay it?
A bill can occur for many reasons, including network issues, services that are not covered, prior-authorization problems, incorrect insurance information, or other billing issues. Do not assume a bill is correct simply because you received it. Contact the clinic billing office and your health plan to understand what happened. UW Medicine offers financial assistance and financial counseling for eligible patients.
Useful links: UW Medicine Financial Assistance | Husky Health Insurance & Cost
27. What if my insurance question is connected to food, housing, finances, or another basic need?
That is common. Insurance problems can happen alongside housing, food, family, financial-aid, or sudden-independence concerns. LiveWell Student Needs Navigation can help students organize multiple needs and identify appropriate resources.
Useful links: LiveWell
Get help
You do not have to figure this out alone. Start with the resource that best matches what you need. If you are not sure where you fit, a trained Navigator or King County CHAP is a reasonable starting point.
| I need to… | Start here |
| Apply, renew, report a change, or understand eligibility | Washington Healthplanfinder / trained Navigator |
| Get free local enrollment/navigation assistance | King County CHAP |
| Understand an Apple Health policy or official notice | Washington Health Care Authority |
| Check Husky Health insurance/network questions | Husky Health Insurance & Cost |
| Deal with a UW Medicine bill or ask about financial assistance | UW Medicine Financial Assistance |
| Sort out insurance alongside food, housing, finances, or other basic needs | LiveWell Student Needs Navigation |
| I am not sure where I fit | Start with Washington Healthplanfinder, a Navigator, or CHAP |
What to bring when asking for help
> The notice, denial, renewal letter, or bill you are asking about.
> Your insurance card or plan information.
> ProviderOne/member information, if available.
> Relevant household or income information, if the issue involves eligibility.
> Provider/clinic names.
> Prescription or pharmacy information.
> Relevant deadlines.
You do not need to have everything before asking for help.
Language support
Washington Healthplanfinder/HCA provide interpreter or translator support at no cost, and HCA publishes fact sheets about major Apple Health changes in multiple languages. Use the official resources linked above for current language options.
Useful links: Healthplanfinder rights | HCA changes
| Privacy reminder Do not enter passwords, Social Security numbers, detailed immigration information, diagnoses, or unnecessary medical information into UW-facing toolkit forms or worksheets. When individual circumstances matter, use a secure official channel or speak with an appropriate assister. |
General educational information only. This resource does not determine eligibility, exemption status, network participation, or coverage for a particular service. Apple Health rules and implementation guidance can change. Last reviewed: August 11, 2026