It’s been a long road to get here and we are thrilled that starting on June 20th at 8am people can enroll in the Apple Health Expansion (AHE)–Washington’s new health insurance program that will cover undocumented immigrants 19 and older who earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 

Space is limited and the program is expected to reach capacity quickly, so it’s critical that people be ready when enrollment opens at 8 am on June 20th. We recommend that applicants prepare today by working with a Navigator on preliminary application steps like submitting proof of identity before the big day. 

Where people enroll depends on their age. People from 19 to 64 years old should use WAhealthplanfinder and people 65 and over should use Washington Connection. To begin the process people need proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport from their country of origin and information about their household and income. HCA provides more information on the program, eligibility, and enrollment. Support is available in more than 200 languages.

We are pleased to have worked in partnership with others toward this milestone to improve health equity and reduce racial disparities since its beginning and are excited to see affordable coverage becoming a reality for some, but the work is far from over. This program is supposed to be similar to Apple Health, but funding shortfalls have led to differences in the new program’s policies and procedures. NoHLA will keep working to ensure the AHE program meets needs identified by immigrant communities, including a fair waitlist once enrollment is reached and accessibility in other languages.