60 years of Medicaid: A legacy of care in Washington State

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 08/01/2025 10:00 AM PDT

August 30, 2025

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60 years of Medicaid: A legacy of care in Washington State

On July 30, we celebrated 60 years of Medicaid, known in Washington as Apple Health.

Since 1965, Medicaid has expanded access to health care, supported families in crisis, and helped Washingtonians thrive. From the Affordable Care Act expanding coverage to nearly 2 million people receiving Apple Health (Medicaid) today, the program continues to grow and adapt to our state's needs.

Learn more about the impact of Medicaid in Washington

Read our new blog post to see staff reflections and how Medicaid has evolved over the decades.

Read the full story

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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.