Washington state recently expanded health insurance access to undocumented immigrants through its Apple Health Medicaid program. This extension applies to undocumented adults with incomes below 138% of the poverty line—about $20,874 for individuals and $28,212 for two-person households. However, the program has been capped at $76.8 million, meaning only the first 12,000 eligible applicants received coverage. Due to high demand, it was filled within two days, leaving nearly 8,000 people waiting for coverage.
Dr. Julián Pérez from SeaMar Community Health Center sees many low-income, undocumented patients who applied for Apple Health, and while some, like a hotel housekeeper in need of knee surgery, benefited from the program, others are left waiting without access to essential care. Many delay seeking treatment until their conditions worsen, making healthcare more difficult and costly.
The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is advocating for the removal of the budget cap to extend coverage to all eligible residents. Additionally, Washington’s health exchange has allowed undocumented adults to buy insurance since November 2023, with state subsidies available. However, many find the plans prohibitively expensive, with some costing around $700 a month, even after subsidies, making it unaffordable for many low-income individuals.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.