What is health care coverage for the Aged, Blind or Disabled?
Aged, blind or disabled health care coverage under Washington Apple Health is for people who meet at least one of the criteria below as well as income and resource limits:
- Age 65 or older.
- Blind (as defined by the Social Security Administration and determined by DSHS).
- Disabled (as defined by the Social Security Administration and determined by DSHS Division of Disability Determination Services).
Learn more: Aged, blind or disabled | Washington State Health Care Authority
What other names are used for health care coverage for the Aged, Blind or Disabled?
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) or Apple Health
- Classic Medicaid or Classic Medical
- Non-MAGI Medicaid or Non-MAGI Medical
- SSI-Related Medicaid or SSI-Related Medical
How do I apply for health care coverage for the Aged, Blind or Disabled?
Submit an application:
- In person at your local Community Services Office.
- Online at washingtonconnection.org.
- By fax at 888-338-7410.
- By mail at DSHS, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411.
- By phone at 877-501-2233.
Do I need to complete an interview to apply for or renew my health care coverage?
No, an interview is not required. Just submit your application or renewal form and it will be processed by eligibility staff. You will receive a letter in the mail once your application or renewal is complete.
If you need in-person assistance to apply or renew your coverage, you may go into a local Community Services Office or call 877-501-2233.
What types of coverage do you offer?
Apple Health provides access to a wide range of medical services. The scope of services covered depends on the Apple Health program in which you are enrolled. To review the Apple Health benefit package by program, please see the Eligibility Overview publication and Scope of Care chapter.
Are there income or resource limits for health care coverage for the Aged, Blind or Disabled?
Yes. Income and resource limits are different for a single individual and married couple. Income limits change annually in January.
Program standards for income and resources can be found at the link below:
Program standard for income and resources
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicaid is a program funded through state and federal dollars that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Each state administers its own program. In Washington state, the Medicaid program is called Apple Health.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people aged 65 or older or under age 65 and on Medicare due to a disability.
See the Understanding Medicaid and Medicare publication for more details.
What if I am already covered under Medicare?
Medicare, including any supplemental insurance you purchase, is your primary health care coverage. You can apply for Medicaid to help with medical costs that may not be covered by Medicare and supplemental insurance.
If approved, Medicaid will be your secondary health care coverage.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my medical coverage?
For a list of contacts, see Contact HCA | Washington State Health Care Authority.
Who do I contact if I got a bill from my health care provider that I think should be covered by Apple Health?
Please contact the Medical Assistance Customer Service Center.
Online: secure contact form
Email: Ask Medicaid
Phone: 800-562-3022
Business hours - client line: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific, Monday-Friday (except state holidays)
TRS: 711 through Washington Relay
For spenddown recipients: Mail receipts and bills to:
DSHS CSD - Customer Service Center
P.O. Box 11699
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
You can also provide them in person at your local Community Services Office.
How do I get a replacement Provider One card?
You can request a replacement in either of the following ways:
- Through the ProviderOne client-portal website.
- By calling 800-562-3022 and following the prompts to ask for a new services card.
- By requesting a change online Select the topic "Services Card").
There is no charge for a new card. It takes seven to 10 days to get the new card in the mail. You may still be able to receive medical services while waiting for a replacement card. Your provider will need your name and date of birth to verify your Apple Health enrollment.
What is the spenddown program?
The spenddown program is a supporting medical program for people who are over the income limits for Medicaid.
Learn more: Spenddown | DSHS (wa.gov)
What is the Medicare Savings Program?
The Medicare Savings Program can help with Medicare premiums or cost-sharing. For more information, please see Medicare Savings Program | Washington State Health Care Authority.
What is the Emergency Medical Program?
The emergency medical program is for people who do not meet the citizenship or immigration status requirements for other Apple Health programs.
Learn more: Alien Emergency Medical Programs | DSHS (wa.gov)
For more information about any of the programs DSHS offers, please call 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Resources:
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Eligibility Overview
understanding-medicaid-and-medicare.pdf (wa.gov)
Program standard for income and resources | Washington State Health Care Authority
Aged, blind or disabled | Washington State Health Care Authority
Scope of care | Washington State Health Care Authority