Federal changes under H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) are changing Medicaid eligibility in Washington, where the program is called Apple Health. About 11,000 lawfully present immigrants and refugees lost Apple Health coverage on Oct. 1, and the state Health Care Authority projects 200,000 to 320,000 more Washingtonians could lose coverage in 2027, as new work and community-engagement requirements and six-month renewals take effect for most adults ages 19–64.
The key message for families: children keep their coverage. Apple Health covers almost 2 million Washingtonians, including hundreds of thousands of children through Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. Children under 19 stay eligible even if a parent loses coverage — but coverage is most often lost over missed paperwork, so the most important thing families can do is keep renewals and mailing addresses current. On Sept. 3, 2026, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order directing state agencies to coordinate and reduce coverage losses from H.R. 1.
Where PTA stands. Access to affordable health care for every child is longstanding PTA policy — see National PTA’s position statement, The Health of Children & Youth and Family Access to Care, and WSPTA Resolution 11.33, Ensuring Access to Healthcare.
Where to send families. Here are some official sources where you can point families — all of which carry the current, detailed, multilingual information:
- Changes coming to Apple Health (fact sheets in 15 languages, exemptions, what’s changing and when): https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care/changes-coming-apple-health
- Renew or update your coverage (WA Healthplanfinder): https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org
- School-based health and Medicaid (OSPI): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/washington-apple-health-medicaid-school-based-services
- Benefits and H.R. 1 (DSHS): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/dshs-benefits-and-hr1
A short reminder in your newsletter or school app — keep your Apple Health renewal and contact info current — can keep a family covered.