Individuals and families do not have to be U.S. citizens to get health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder. Read on to learn more about what customers qualify for based on their status beginning Nov. 1, 2023.
Health care for everyone, regardless of immigration status
Immigrant Health Coverage
Starting Nov. 1, 2023, all Washington residents have access to purchase qualified health and dental plans from Washington Healthplanfinder, including immigrants who are undocumented for coverage starting in 2024.
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. Applying and enrolling in health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder does not affect an individual or family's immigration status or citizenship applications. Information provided through Washington Healthplanfinder is shared with other government agencies only for purposes of determining eligibility for health insurance coverage.
Section 1332 Waiver
Starting Nov. 1, 2023, people without a federally recognized immigration status who live in Washington can purchase a non-federally subsidized qualified health plan (QHP) and qualified dental plan (QDP) from Washington Healthplanfinder. Approximately 23% of Washington’s uninsured population is newly eligible to purchase a QHP or QDP coverage under the Section 1332 waiver, which waives the federal definition of "lawfully present" under the Affordable Care Act.
Community outreach and engagement
Over the past year, the Exchange engaged Washington communities most likely to be affected by these changes. Tapping into our statewide assister network, listening sessions, landscape scans, interviews and focus groups were hosted by our community partners.
The Exchange, in partnership with , has also co-created outreach and education materials for this new audience, including:
- Assister materials
- Navigator videos
- Art for the community
- Commmunity-based organization outreach stipends
- Digital outreach campaign
Apple Health Expansion
Starting July 1, 2024, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) will begin offering limited enrollment into Apple Health. Clients must be a Washington resident age 19 or older, have accountable income under 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and do not qualify for other Apple Health programs based on immigration status to be eligible for this program.
Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this exciting new opportunity. Find social media copy, images and video as well as newsletter copy and more!