TANF/WorkFirst Rules
Do Not Change Your Medical Benefits!

 

prepared by
Dept of Social & Health Services Family Medical Project

Medical benefits and TANF/WorkFirst are two different programs. Below are some questions and answers that explain the differences.

  1. If I don't get cash benefits, can my family still get medical benefits?
    Yes. You can get medical without getting cash benefits. Many families with too much income for cash benefits still get medical benefits.

     

  2. Do medical benefits have time limits like cash benefits?
    No. Medical benefits do not have time limits. Medical benefits do not count toward the 60-month clock for cash grants. As long as you're eligible, you can get medical benefits.

     

  3. Do I have to work or look for work?
    No. You don't have to work or look for work to get medical benefits.

     

  4. What if I have private health insurance?
    It doesn't matter. Medical benefits can help pay for things your private insurance doesn't cover, like premiums and prescriptions.

     

  5. What if I was sanctioned because of a WorkFirst rule?
    It doesn't matter. What happens with WorkFirst does not change your medical benefits.

     

  6. Do you care where I live?
    Yes. You must live in Washington. We don't care what your living arrangements are. As long as you are eligible, you can get medical benefits.

     

  7. If I get medical benefits, what will happen to my immigration status?
    Nothing will happen. Receiving medical benefits does not affect your immigration status.

     

 

The rules for medical benefits are not the same as TANF/WorkFirst rules!