Data Privacy and Public Programs in Washington

The law prohibits sharing personal information with immigration officials about people who use government-funded health or social services. However, under the Trump administration, that information may sometimes be shared with immigration enforcement, even if that’s against the law. Download a PDF version of this resource here.

Here are 5 things you should know:

1. Public programs like Apple Health/Medicaid and Basic Food/Food Assistance Program/SNAP can be very helpful, and you should balance the benefits with the risks of sharing information. Only you can decide what’s best for your family.

2. If the Department of Homeland Security already knows your current address, applying for benefits does not increase your risk.

3. We are not aware of added risk in continuing programs if you are already getting services and you have not moved. Dropping out of vital support programs won’t erase the data you have already provided, and keeping Medicaid or SNAP will help your family.

4. You do not have to share everything: When applying for Apple Health/Medicaid and Basic Food/Food Assistance Program/SNAP, you do not need to share the immigration status or Social Security numbers for family members who are not applying for benefits for themselves—and you should not.

5. The public charge rules have not changed: Apple Health/Medicaid and Basic Food/Food Assistance Program/SNAP are not considered in a public charge determination at this time.

This is not legal advice. This information is current as of July 9, 2025. 

See also:

  • Español / Spanish (in partnership with Washington State Catholic Conference)
  • National Protecting Immigrant Families resources are available in additional languages:
  • Health Benefit Exchange statement of 16 June 2025: What we know today is that information on individual market customers, including 1332 waiver enrollees, is not included in Medicaid data. We will provide further updates when we learn more and will continue to evaluate for any impact for Washington Healthplanfinder customers.
  • Health Care Authority statement of 13 June 2025 and client FAQ

Modified for Washington in partnership with Protecting Immigrant Families.
Please contact nohla@nohla.org to co-brand a version for your organization or if you are able to help translate into additional languages.