Apple Health (Medicaid) providers: extension of benefits due to public health emergency

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 12/28/2020 06:31 AM PST

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Extension of Apple Health (Medicaid) benefits due to public health emergency

The Health Care Authority (HCA) sent the message below to subscribers of its benefit eligibility list on 12/22, and is forwarding it to providers as an FYI.

What is happening?

HCA learned from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has been extended until January 20, 2021. Visit the HHS website for more information.

As a reminder, HCA and its partners continue to maintain coverage for Apple Health recipients by extending Apple Health benefits during the PHE, which has been in place since March 18, 2020. We will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

I am on Apple Health Pregnancy coverage. How does this affect me?

Apple Health Pregnancy coverage will continue without interruption through the duration of the current PHE extension.

Outside of the PHE extension, Apple Health Pregnancy coverage ends on the last day of the month that contains the 60th day post-partum (most often 2 months after the end of pregnancy).

For example, if someone was pregnant and delivered April 15, 2020 Apple Health pregnancy coverage would have ended June 30, 2020. However, due to the PHE extension Apple Health Pregnancy coverage has been continuous and ongoing.

How do I apply for Apple Health?

Individuals who are single adults, children, parents/caretakers, or pregnant, apply for Apple Health coverage:

Online: Go to Washington Healthplanfinder - select the "Apply Now" button.
Mobile app: Download the WAPlanfinder app - select "sign in" or "create an account." Available for iPhone and Android.
Paper: Submit an Application for Health Care Coverage (18-001P).
Phone: Call the Washington Healthplanfinder customer support center at 1-855-923-4633.

Individuals who are an adult age 65 or older, blind, disabled, or need long-term services, apply for Apple Health Classic Medicaid coverage:

Online: Go to Washington Connection and select "Apply Now".
Paper: Submit an Application for Aged Blind Disabled or Long Term Services and Support (HCA 18-005).
Phone: Request an application by calling 1-877-501-2233.

Where can I find more information?

HCA strives to deliver important information to partners and stakeholders. Stay informed by viewing updates posted to the HCA COVID-19 webpage.

For more resources 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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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.