How to apply for Washington Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

How to apply for Apple Health in Washington

Washington's Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) jointly administer Apple Health applications. The right portal depends on your situation. Per HCA guidance at hca.wa.gov, here are the main ways to apply:

What you need to apply for Apple Health

Washington verifies identity, residency, income, and immigration status. Gather these items before starting your application online.

• Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
• Social Security numbers for all applicants who have them
• Proof of Washington State residency — utility bill, lease, or official mail with current address
• Income information for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or tax documents if self-employed
• Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, I-94, or Employment Authorization Document
• Current health insurance information if anyone in the household has existing coverage
• Any disability or Social Security award letters if applying based on disability status

Washington Healthplanfinder can verify some information electronically through state databases. You may not need to provide all documents if HCA can confirm information from existing records.

How long does Apple Health take to process?

Under 42 CFR 435.912, Washington must process most Apple Health applications within 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days. If you apply online and provide all required information, many straightforward applications receive a near-real-time eligibility decision.

Coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied, assuming approval. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive Apple Health coverage going back three months.

Keep your Washington Healthplanfinder account contact information current. If additional documentation is needed, a notice will be sent to the email address on file.

What documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your application. Having them ready prevents delays caused by missing information requests, which can add weeks to the review.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of residency in Washington — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address
• Social Security numbers for all household members applying
• Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters
• Tax filing information if self-employed — prior year return is typically acceptable
• Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record
• Health insurance information if you currently have coverage through an employer or other source

Not every document is required for every applicant. The application will specify what Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) needs based on your household composition.

The application process, step by step

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect proof of identity, residency, income, and household composition before you start. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one sitting.

2. 2

   Submit the application

   Apply through your preferred method — online is fastest. The application asks about income, household size, citizenship status, and whether anyone in the household has other insurance. Answer completely to avoid requests for more information.

3. 3

   Respond to any follow-up requests

   Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly — delays in providing information can pause or restart the review clock.

4. 4

   Receive your eligibility notice

   The agency will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice will state your coverage start date and what benefits you're eligible for.

What to expect after you apply

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of receipt. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If Washington hasn't issued a decision by those deadlines, the agency must notify you in writing with the reason for delay.

Medicaid coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you applied, assuming you're determined eligible. In some cases — particularly for pregnant women — retroactive coverage going back up to three months may apply if you received qualifying medical services during that period.

Keep your contact information updated while your application is pending. A notice sent to an old address counts as received.

If your application is denied

A denial notice must state the specific reason and your right to appeal. You have the right to request a fair hearing — typically within 90 days of the denial notice — where you can present evidence and contest the decision before an impartial hearing officer.

Common denial reasons include income above the limit, failure to verify documents within the required timeframe, or a missing signature. Many denials can be resolved by reapplying with the correct documentation.