Apple Health and the public health emergency
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, we extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension ended March 31, 2023 due to the passing of the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2023.
What does this mean for Apple Health Classic Medicaid clients?
We will resume determining ongoing eligibility April 1, 2023. This means we can no longer automatically extend your coverage and will determine your eligibility based on your circumstances. Clients will receive a renewal notice prior to the end of their renewal period sometime over the next 12 months, based on a client’s renewal date.
For example, clients with a renewal date in May will receive a renewal notice in the month of April. Clients found not eligible could lose their coverage as early as April 30, but more likely at the end of May.
What can clients do to stay informed?
The best way Apple Health Classic Medicaid clients can stay informed is by keeping your contact information up to date. This ensures you don't miss important notices about your coverage, including your renewal notice. Learn how you can update your contact information.
Clients should watch for their renewal notices and take timely action to keep their coverage active. You will have the opportunity to renew your coverage prior to any closure or transition of coverage. Learn how to apply or renew Apple Health Classic Medicaid coverage.
NEW: The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Pandemic Time Limit Extension is ending. If you have reached the 60-month time limit but receive TANF because you have a pandemic-related time limit extension, WorkFirst staff will contact you to determine if you can continue to get your extension approved for other reasons. If you do not meet the requirements for getting a time limit extension, your cash assistance will end on June 30, 2023. It is critical that you meet with your case manager to determine your eligibility. Please contact your ongoing case manager or social worker if you have questions.
Some background: In April 2020, DSHS began to offer the pandemic time limit extension to families who had received the 60-month maximum of TANF assistance and were affected by COVID-19. Families approved under the pandemic-related time limit extension could continue receiving TANF cash assistance. The pandemic-related time limit extension will no longer be available as of June 30, 2023. WorkFirst staff are now scheduling appointments with impacted recipients to determine if they meet any other time limit extension reason. If not, their cash assistance will end on June 30, 2023. WorkFirst staff can support in helping families find other services and local resources when TANF cash assistance ends.
NEW: Starting April 17 and through June 2023, our statewide Customer Service Contact Center hours will change to 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday with phone interviews ending at 3 p.m. Along with the change in phone hours, the Kennewick, Everett and Columbia River Community Services Offices will adjust eligibility services to end interviews at 2 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. These adjustments will allow us to better align our availability with customer needs and provide more efficient support during peak times.
For the three CSOs identified, adjusted services available after 2 p.m. include:
• Doors open.
• A Navigator will inform you what in-person options are available, answer questions, etc.
• EBT will be available.
• Previously scheduled appointments will take place.
• ADA accommodations around scheduling and interviews will continue to be provided based on individual client needs.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to best meet your needs.
NEW: Save time and skip waiting on hold.
Did you know you have several options to avoid long wait times in offices and on phones with our self-service options, online Client Benefit Account and other resources? Watch a short video about how to:
Your food benefits are changing. Here's what you need to know:
Emergency food allotments ended in February and your food benefit amount decreased to normal benefit levels beginning March 2023. We understand has a significant impact on families across Washington and we are here to support you during this transition.
From March 2020 to February 2023, the federal government issued temporary emergency funding to provide families with additional food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in March 2023, the amount of food benefits you receive without the emergency benefits depends on your specific circumstances.
Here's what you can do:
- Learn what your new benefit amount will be.
- Call 877-501-2233 and choose the self-service option or log into your Client Benefit Account at WashingtonConnection.org.
- Find local resources.
- Use SNAP Match Programs to increase the value of your food benefits so you can buy more fruits and vegetables.
- Visit 211.org or simply call 211 to find additional resources near you.
- Report a change.
- If circumstances in your life have changed, you may qualify for a different benefit amount. Call 877-501-2233, go to WashingtonConnection.org, or visit your local Community Services Office to report changes in household size, income or expenses.
- If you receive services from our Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, contact your Home and Community Services Public Benefits Specialist.
- If you receive services from our Developmental Disabilities Administration, please contact a Public Benefits Specialist at 855-873-0642.
Help us spread the word. We sent tri-fold fliers with this information to all Basic Food clients. You can find and print or email those fliers in English, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Lao, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Don't see the language you need? Check our Publications Library for PDFs in other languages.
