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Washington Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO Washington

Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new Washington resident applies fresh through Washington State Health Care Authority. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on Washington's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving Washington

Leaving Washington ends your Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) case — no state will take it over. Close the case with Washington State Health Care Authority effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: Washington State Health Care Authority ↗ (application page)

Washington Medicaid at a glance

Program nameApple Health
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit138% of the federal poverty level
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations)

Washington Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

Washington expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household sizeMonthly income limitYearly income limit
1 person$1,836$22,025
2 people$2,489$29,864
3 people$3,142$37,702
4 people$3,795$45,540
5 people$4,449$53,379
6 people$5,102$61,217
7 people$5,755$69,056
8 people$6,408$76,894
Each additional person+$654+$7,839

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in Washington

Apply with Washington State Health Care Authority online at wahealthplanfinder.org, which runs the program as Apple Health. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in Washington for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep Washington Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so Washington coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to Washington State Health Care Authority and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Washington?

Apply with Washington State Health Care Authority online at wahealthplanfinder.org, which runs the program as Apple Health. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Who runs Medicaid in Washington?

Washington State Health Care Authority, which runs the program as Apple Health. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does Washington make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in Washington; eligibility is decided on Washington's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving Washington?

Use Washington Healthplanfinder's 'Update my income or address/report change' function (linked from the HCA Apple Health pages) to report a move.

Every move involving Washington

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Other benefits in Washington

Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

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