During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Washington's Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) extended coverage for all people on Medicaid (Apple Health). This extension, a lifeline for many, ended March 31, 2023, and renewals and eligibility reviews resumed.
As a result of this resumption, HCA terminated Medicaid for about 230,000 people in May and June alone, with an expectation of 500,000 to 600,000 total. A high percentage of these terminations are for procedural reasons, and potentially could be re-instated, awarded retroactive coverage, or appealed.
But it can be hard to navigate the system alone. Legal aid is more important than ever for people who depend on Medicaid to access vital health care!
Your support for legal aid and Northwest Justice Project opens doors to health care for the people who need it most.