Governor Signs Order to Protect Apple Health Coverage

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  Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order to protect Washington residents from federal cuts to health care“SEATTLE – Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order today to help mitigate the impacts in Washington state from H.R. 1, federal legislation gutting health care and food assistance nationwide.”
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  The order helps prevent 3,000 immigrants from losing Apple Health coverage“Saving Apple Health coverage for 3,000 Washington immigrants, and implementing an automated verification hub to help 400,000 Washingtonians keep their Apple Health coverage.”
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  The order ensures 400,000 residents can keep their coverage without extra paperwork“Washington state expects this will help 400,000 people keep their Apple Health.”
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  These actions address two major impacts from H. R. 1“Two major impacts are coming in the next several months: Starting Oct. 1, H.R. 1 drastically limits the Medicaid eligibility for lawfully present immigrants. Before the state took action, 14,000 lawful immigrants were set to lose their Apple Health coverage. Starting Jan. 1, more than 600,000 Washingtonians will be subject to work requirements for the first time in order to keep their Apple Health coverage. These individuals will also be required to reapply twice as frequently.”
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  A federal bill that cuts health care funding is H. R. 1“President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1 more than a year ago, cutting more than $1.3 trillion in health care and food assistance nationwide.”
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  Starting Oct. 1, lawfully present immigrants face reduced Medicaid eligibility“Starting Oct. 1, H.R. 1 drastically limits the Medicaid eligibility for lawfully present immigrants.”
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  Without state action, 14,000 would lose coverage“Before the state took action, 14,000 lawful immigrants were set to lose their Apple Health coverage.”
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  Outreach efforts reduced the number of people who would lose coverage to 11,000“Instead of 14,000 immigrants losing Apple Health on October 1, those efforts have brought that number down to 11,000.”
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  Starting Jan. 1, over 600,000 Washingtonians face new work requirements to keep coverage“Starting Jan. 1, more than 600,000 Washingtonians will be subject to work requirements for the first time in order to keep their Apple Health coverage. These individuals will also be required to reapply twice as frequently.”
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  An automated verification hub will help 400,000 avoid losing coverage due to paperwork issues“Washington state expects this will help 400,000 people keep their Apple Health.”
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  The governor urged residents to update their information and spread awareness“He also highlighted that even with these accomplishments, at least 200,000 are projected to lose their Apple Health coverage by the end of 2027 as a direct result of H.R. 1.Because of the long delay between passing the bill and many of the elements of the bill going into effect, too many people are unaware of what is coming, and what their options are. The governor encouraged everyone with Apple Health to make sure their information is current, and to look out for communications from Apple Health. He asked Washingtonians to help spread the word, and help loved ones verify their information.”
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  At least 200,000 people may still lose coverage by 2027“He also highlighted that even with these accomplishments, at least 200,000 are projected to lose their Apple Health coverage by the end of 2027 as a direct result of H.R. 1.”
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  The state will continue efforts to protect health care access“The work continues, and my executive order lays out our next steps.”