Updated Oct. 1, 2026
H.R. 1 Resources
Oct. 1, 2026, marks the first effective date for major Apple Health (Medicaid) eligibility changes directed by H.R. 1. These changes narrow eligibility for many lawfully present noncitizens, with about 11,000 Washington residents projected to lose coverage. A new court order protects Apple Health coverage for more than 800 Washingtonians. Learn more about this order and its impacts on the Health Care Authority website.
On July 4, 2025, the U.S. President signed into law federal House Resolution 1. It impacts programs managed by the Department of Social and Health Services as well as other state social services agencies. H.R. 1 includes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, which serve many of our state’s most vulnerable populations.
Changes to federal Medicaid eligibility for refugees, asylees and other noncitizen adults will begin on Oct. 1, 2026. ORIA has developed a flyer to outline what refugees and other immigrants should know about maintaining or regaining eligibility for federal public benefits like Medicaid. You can find the flyer here. Translated versions are available in 15 languages on the DSHS H.R. 1 webpage.