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Apple Health Classic Medicaid (SSI-related / Aged, Blind, Disabled)
WA Health Care Authority
"Apple Health" is Washington's brand name for all state medical assistance programs, including Medicaid. "Classic Medicaid" refers to the non-MAGI Apple Health programs for individuals who are aged 65+, blind, disabled, or in need of long-term services and supports, eligibility uses SSI-related rules instead of Modified Adjusted Gross Income. HCA administers most Apple Health programs; DSHS administers the SSI, SSI-Related, state-funded Medical Care Services (MCS), and Medicare Savings Programs. Apple Health works as secondary coverage to Medicare for dual-eligibles, picking up costs Medicare does not (deductibles, copays, hearing aids, dental). It can also fund long-term services and supports.
Who qualifies
For adults 65+, individuals receiving or entitled to Medicare, or those determined blind or disabled. Must meet residency, citizenship/immigration, and financial limits. SSI cash recipients (S01) automatically qualify. SSI-Related (S02) requires meeting SSI income/resource limits AND being aged 65+, blind (SSA definition), or disabled (DDS-determined). Effective Jan 1 2026: SSI/CNIL income $994/mo single, $1,491/mo couple; SSI resource limits $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple. Individuals over the SSI income standard may qualify under Medically Needy with a spenddown.
What it covers
Categorically Needy (CN) scope: comprehensive medical, behavioral health, dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, hospice, nursing facility, home health, durable medical equipment, transportation. For dual-eligibles, Apple Health pays Medicare premiums/deductibles/coinsurance and covers behavioral health (BHSO) and long-term care services Medicare does not.
Cost
Source: HCA 19-0096 (Apple Health Income and Resource Standards, April 1, 2026). Asset/income limits do not apply to all Apple Health programs (HWD has no asset test, MAGI programs use income only).
How to apply
For aged/blind/disabled coverage and seniors 65+: apply online at Washington Connection (washingtonconnection.org), in person at a DSHS Community Services Office, or by paper using HCA Form 18-005 (Application for Aged, Blind, Disabled or Long-Term Care Health Coverage). Mail to DSHS Community Services Division, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699; fax 1-888-338-7410.
Source www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care