Apple Health and COVID-19 updates

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 08/25/2020 02:09 PM PDT

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Apple Health and COVID-19 updates

A presidential executive order authorized the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to use Stafford Act disaster relief funds to provide supplemental unemployment compensation payment. These payments are for lost wages to those who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) applied for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program through FEMA. Those who are eligible may receive up to $300 additional unemployment benefit once ESD implements the LWA program. Visit ESD to know more about the LWA program.

Why do I need to know about this?

Just like the federal pandemic amount of $600, this additional income is not countable when determining Apple Health eligibility and does not need to be reported when applying for or renewing Apple Health coverage. Regular unemployment compensation must still be reported.

Where can I find more information?

ESD press release- Washington application for LWA.
For more resources on COVID-19 visit the HCA Stakeholder Training and Education webpage and the Apple Health public health emergency webpage.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.