Medicaid in Washington — immigrant guide

Medicaid in Washington

Medicaid income limits in dollars

Medicaid limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These are the 2026 FPL figures that apply in Washington:

48 contiguous states + DC — for each additional person above 8, add $5,680 (at 100% FPL). Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2026 (Federal Register 2026-00755), effective January 13, 2026 · verify at federalregister.gov

What that means in dollars — Washington

• Parents (family of 3): eligible for Medicaid with annual income up to $37,702 (138% of the $27,320 FPL for 3 persons)
• Childless adults: eligible with annual income up to $22,025 (138% of the $15,960 FPL for 1 person)

Eligibility percentages: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). Dollar figures recompute automatically each year from the HHS guidelines.

Medicaid eligibility limits in Washington (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

ACA expansion status in Washington

✅ Washington ADOPTED Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Income limits for Medicaid in Washington

• Parents in a family of 3: up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Other adults (childless): up to 138% FPL
• Pregnant women: up to 215% of FPL (Medicaid)

Calculate your FPL for household size at aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.

Verify eligibility

⚠️ Limits change annually. Verify current eligibility with Washington’s Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov.

Medicaid expansion

Washington HAS adopted ACA Medicaid expansion.

This means low-income adults up to 138% of federal poverty level can qualify for Medicaid in Washington, regardless of having dependent children or disability.

Coverage for undocumented in Washington

Washington offers additional coverage with state funds: Apple Health Expansion — undocumented adults eligible (limited)

Federal rules applying in Washington

Regardless of expansion, federal eligibility rules by immigration status apply in Washington:

• Citizens: YES qualify
• Permanent residents (green card) 5+ years: YES qualify
• Permanent residents < 5 years: NO (5-year bar), EXCEPT children and pregnant women in CHIPRA Option states
• Refugees, asylees: YES qualify (no 5-year bar)
• DACA: NO qualify (excluded by current rule)
• Undocumented individuals: NO qualify federally

Emergency services

Under EMTALA, all hospitals in Washington must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medicaid may cover the cost of emergency treatment for those meeting income requirements but not immigration status.

How to apply for Medicaid in Washington

1. Visit Washington’s Medicaid portal (search “Washington Medicaid” or specific program name)
2. Fill application online (also available by paper or in person)
3. Provide: identification, proof of income, proof of residency, immigration documents (if applicable)
4. Wait for determination (typically 45 days, 90 for disability-based cases)
5. If approved, receive Medicaid card + provider information

Related information

• Medicaid (federal)
• CHIP for children
• SNAP in US
• DMV in Washington

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

Apply for Medicaid in Washington

Coverage categories

• MAGI Medicaid: for children, pregnant women, parents, non-disabled adults
• Non-MAGI Medicaid: for disabled, 65+, long-term care
• Emergency Medicaid: ONLY emergencies, no status requirement

Income limits (varies by category)

• Children: generally below 138-200% FPL
• Pregnant women: up to 200-300% FPL in many states
• Parents: varies (Medicaid expansion vs non-expansion states)
• Childless adults: only in expansion states (38 + DC)
• 65+/disabled: low limit (~75-138% FPL)

How to apply in Washington

1. Healthcare.gov — federal combined application
2. Washington state portal (some states have own)
3. In-person at FQHCs, hospitals, social service offices
4. By phone or by mail

Documents

• Identity: photo ID or passport
• Income: recent paystubs, ITIN return, sworn statement
• Residency: utility bill, lease
• For LPR: green card + date acquired (5-year bar)

When Public Charge applies

Emergency, child, and pregnancy Medicaid do NOT affect immigration case. Other categories might — consult attorney if you have pending case.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Related procedural information

• Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
• Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
• ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
• Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
• Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits