Stay Covered: Keep up with Changes to Medicaid and Marketplace
Federal Changes are coming to Apple Health (Medicaid) and Idaho Medicaid starting this fall. Beginning with these changes, some adults age 19 to 64 may need to meet new requirements to keep their Medicaid coverage.
Tips to Stay Covered:
- Update your contact information—make sure your state Medicaid agency has your current address, phone number, and email. Watch for renewal notices and respond promptly.
Contact us if you have any questions about how you can stay covered.
Community engagement requirements or work requirements must be met in the month before applying in Washington and 3 months in Idaho.
Work requirements are met when an individual:
- Has at least $580 in a monthly household income or average $580 over a six-month period for seasonal workers.
- Participates in a work program at least 80 hours per month.
- Completes at least 80 hours of community service per month.
- Enrolls in an education program at least half-time
- Has a combination of hours of work, community service, work program, or educational program totaling at least 80 hours per month.
Some individuals do not need to meet work requirements because they meet “current month exclusions.” Current month’s exclusions include:
- Pregnant or in 12-month postpartum period
- Under age 19
- Foster youth or former foster youth under age 26
- American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and certain Tribal populations
- Parent, caretaker, or guardian of a child under age 14
- Household member of SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (cash assistance)
- Parent, caretaker, or guardian of an individual with a disability
- Entitled to Medicare Part A or B
- Incarcerated or within 90 days post-release period
- Medically frail
- Alcohol or substance use disorder treatment (AUD/SUD)
- Disabled veteran with 100% total disability
- In short-term hardship
Beginning October 1, 2026, changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules will impact eligibility for certain Apple Health (Medicaid) and Idaho Medicaid programs.
Apple Health (Medicaid) and Idaho Medicaid eligibility for adults ages 19-64 is limited to:
- Lawful permanent residents (who have met or are exempt from the 5-year bar)
- Compact of Free Association (COFA) islanders
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
Resources by State
Washington Residents
Apple Health (Medicaid) or Marketplace
Apple Health (Medicaid) for Seniors or Individuals with Disabilities
Visit a local DSHS Community Service Office
Our Patient Resources Coordinators are Ready to Help
Services Offered
Our PRCs offer personalized support to help you:
- Enroll in new coverage
- Renew your existing plan
- Make changes to your Medicaid or Marketplace insurance
- Understand how to use your insurance
Connect with a PRC
PRCs offer assistance in person or over the phone. Walk-ins are always welcome.
- Call us at 509.444.8200 (WA) or 208.848.8300 (ID) to schedule
- Visit any CHAS Health clinic
CHAS Health is Here for You—No Matter Your Insurance Status
Whether you're eligible for Medicaid, transitioning to Marketplace coverage, or currently uninsured, CHAS Health is committed to your care. We serve all patients, regardless of insurance status.
Sliding Fee Discount Program
Our Sliding Fee Discount Program helps reduce the cost of services based on household size and income. This program is available to all CHAS Health patients.