Wash. HCA releases health insurance renewal info

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Health Care Authority released May’s renewal data for Apple Health on Friday, according to a news release from the HCA. After the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, states are required to resume eligibility verification for state health care.

Sue Birch, HCA executive director, stated in the news release HCA’s intentions in releasing the data and spreading awareness of the returning verification process.

"Our goal is that every Washingtonian who is eligible for Apple Health stays on Apple Health. We urge people to make sure their information is up to date. If you have a friend or family member on Apple Health, please encourage them to reach out to us and update their information."

The renewal data indicates how many Washington residents have maintained Apple Health coverage in May, the first month the data was available after verification resumed. According to the news release, of the 230,000 Apple Health clients under review for May, half retained coverage. 116,000 clients were disenrolled for failing to respond to requests to update their information.

The news release stated that if an Apple Health client’s coverage is terminated for not renewing, they have a 90 day reconsideration period, which allows them to re-enroll and return to coverage. If they are determined eligible for Apple Health, their coverage will be reinstated back to the day they were disenrolled, leading to no gap in coverage. Clients who miss their 90 day reconsideration period can still reapply for coverage at any time.

Find more information at www.hca.wa.gov/phe.