Washington covers children under 19 through Apple Health for Kids, the state's combined Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program run by the Health Care Authority. A child whose household income is at or below 317% of the Federal Poverty Level in 2026 can enroll, which is $104,610 for a family of 4 and $50,593 for a household of 1. KFF's January 2026 state table lists 317% as Washington's upper income limit for children, and Washington Apple Health has no asset test.
Apple Health measures eligibility with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), family size and household composition, not with assets. This page gives the 2026 Apple Health for Kids income limits for every household size, the premium bands, the steps to apply, the documents to gather, the reasons applications are denied and how to appeal. Washington is a Medicaid expansion state with a 138% FPL limit for adults in 2026, so many parents also qualify under their own limit.
Quick answer: does my child qualify for Apple Health for Kids in Washington in 2026?
Yes, if your child is under 19 and your Washington household MAGI is at or below 317% of the Federal Poverty Level in 2026 ($104,610 for a family of 4). Apple Health for Kids has no asset test and charges no premium up to 210% FPL ($69,300 for 4 in 2026). Premiums of $20 or $30 per child apply above that.
Apple Health for Kids income limits by household size in Washington (2026)
Washington sets the Apple Health for Kids income ceiling at 312% of the Federal Poverty Level, which becomes 317% FPL once the 5-point MAGI disregard is applied (42 CFR 435.603(d)). KFF's January 2026 state table lists Washington at 317%. The 2026 Federal Poverty Level is $15,960 for one person plus $5,680 for each additional person, so the 2026 Washington ceiling is $50,593 for a household of 1 and $104,610 for a family of 4. The table above shows every household size.
Apple Health for Kids has three income bands in Washington in 2026. At or below 210% FPL ($33,516 for a household of 1; $69,300 for a family of 4) children pay no premium. Above 210% and up to 260% FPL the premium is $20 per child per month, and above 260% up to 312% FPL it is $30 per child per month. Washington's Health Care Authority charges premiums for no more than two children per household, so the family maximum in 2026 is $60 per month.
What counts as income for Apple Health for Kids in Washington (MAGI and household composition)
Washington uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to decide Apple Health for Kids eligibility. MAGI starts with adjusted gross income from your federal tax return and adds tax-exempt interest, untaxed foreign income, and the untaxed part of Social Security benefits. Wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits and taxable interest count. Child support you receive, SSI and most veterans' disability payments do not count toward MAGI for children's coverage.
Washington counts household composition by tax-filing relationships. For a child, the household usually includes the child, parents who live with the child, and siblings who live there, with family size based on who is claimed on the tax return. A pregnant parent's household counts herself plus each baby she expects (42 CFR 435.603(b)). Larger family size raises the dollar limit in the 2026 table, so confirm who you list before comparing your income to it.
How to apply for Apple Health for Kids in Washington
Washington accepts Apple Health for Kids applications year-round, with no enrollment window. The fastest route is Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org, run by the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. You can also call Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633, call HCA Apple Health customer service at 1-800-562-3022, or apply with help from a community navigator. A child's coverage can be applied for even when the parents do not need coverage themselves.
Documents needed to apply for Apple Health for Kids in Washington
Washington asks for proof of identity, residency and income when Healthplanfinder cannot confirm them electronically. Gathering documents first shortens the review. The state checks income against tax and wage records, so a recent pay stub or tax return speeds things up when your income changed this year.
- Child's Social Security number, if the child has one
- Parent or caretaker photo ID
- Proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or school record)
- Income proof (pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return)
- Child's birth certificate or proof of age
- Immigration documents for applicants who have them, if applicable
Is Washington a Medicaid expansion state? What it means for children and parents in 2026
Washington is a Medicaid expansion state, so adults 19 to 64 qualify for Apple Health at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for one person in 2026). Children have a much higher ceiling, 317% FPL in 2026, which is why a family can be over the adult limit and still have a child who qualifies. Because Washington expanded, the ACA gap that affects ten non-expansion states (AL, FL, GA, KS, MS, SC, TN, TX, WI, WY) does not exist here.
Washington parents above their own Apple Health limit can usually shop for a subsidized plan on Washington Healthplanfinder while their child stays on Apple Health for Kids. For 2026 coverage, premium tax credits are measured against the 2025 guidelines and the 400% FPL cap is back ($62,600 for one person, $128,600 for four). For 2027 coverage, which you can pick starting November 1, 2026, the cap is measured against the 2026 guidelines ($63,840 for one person; $132,000 for four).
Common reasons Apple Health for Kids applications get denied in Washington
Washington denials for Apple Health for Kids most often come from income, paperwork or residency problems, and most can be fixed. Check the notice for the specific reason and the deadline to respond before doing anything else.
- MAGI above 317% FPL for the household size in 2026
- Missing or late verification documents
- Washington residency not verified
- Child is 19 or older
- Household size or composition reported differently from tax records
How to appeal an Apple Health for Kids denial in Washington
Washington lets you request an administrative hearing if HCA denies, reduces or ends Apple Health for Kids coverage. The denial notice states the deadline, which is generally 90 days from the date on the notice, and explains how to file. You can request a hearing through HCA, and you may bring a lawyer, advocate or friend. Keep your child's coverage going during the appeal by asking for continued benefits within the time limit stated on the notice.
Washington families can also reapply at any time with corrected information, since Apple Health has no enrollment window. Reapplying is often faster than a hearing when the denial came from a missing document or a reported income that has since changed.
Apple Health for Kids context: what it covers and who runs it in Washington
Washington runs Medicaid and CHIP together under the Apple Health brand, administered by the Health Care Authority (HCA). Apple Health for Kids covers children under 19 with medical, dental, vision, prescription and behavioral health benefits, through managed care plans in most counties. The 2026 income ceiling of 312% FPL (317% with the MAGI disregard) is among the higher children's limits in the country, and the program has no asset test.
Washington children who do not meet the federal immigration rules can still be covered. Since October 1, 2026, federal Medicaid and CHIP are limited to citizens, green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau (P.L. 119-21 sec. 71109), and DACA recipients have never qualified for federal Medicaid or CHIP. HCA states that children who would otherwise qualify get state-funded Apple Health for Kids, which is a state program rather than federal Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple Health for Kids income limit for a family of 4 in Washington in 2026?
The Washington limit for a family of 4 is $104,610 a year in 2026, which is 317% of the Federal Poverty Level ($33,000 for 4) including the 5-point MAGI disregard. HCA lists the base ceiling as 312% FPL. Children pay no premium up to 210% FPL ($69,300 for 4 in 2026). Premiums of $20 or $30 per child apply above that.
What counts as income for Apple Health for Kids in Washington?
Washington counts Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI): wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, taxable interest, and the untaxed part of Social Security. SSI, child support you receive and most veterans' disability payments are not counted. Family size and household composition follow tax-filing relationships, and the 2026 limits rise with each person you list in the household.
What documents do I need to apply for Apple Health for Kids in Washington?
Washington applicants usually need the child's Social Security number if one exists, a parent photo ID, proof of Washington residency, recent income proof such as pay stubs or a tax return, and the child's proof of age. Immigration documents are needed only for applicants who have them. Healthplanfinder verifies much of this electronically, so you may be asked for less.
What happens if my child is denied Apple Health for Kids in Washington?
Washington sends a notice with the reason and a deadline, generally 90 days, to request an administrative hearing through HCA. You can bring a representative, and you can ask for continued benefits within the time stated on the notice. Reapplying with corrected income or documents is allowed at any time and is often faster than a hearing.
Can I work and still get Apple Health for Kids for my child in Washington?
Yes. Apple Health for Kids looks at household MAGI and family size, not at whether a parent works, so children of working parents qualify up to 317% FPL in 2026. The federal work requirement under P.L. 119-21 sec. 71119 applies to expansion adults 19 to 64, starting as early as January 2027 depending on the state, and not to children. Parents of a child 13 or younger are exempt.
Is Washington a Medicaid expansion state?
Yes. Washington expanded Medicaid, so adults 19 to 64 qualify for Apple Health at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for one person in 2026). Children qualify at a much higher 317% FPL. Because Washington expanded, there is no ACA gap for low-income adults, unlike the ten non-expansion states of AL, FL, GA, KS, MS, SC, TN, TX, WI and WY.
How long does the Apple Health for Kids application take in Washington?
Washington applications through Healthplanfinder can show an instant result when electronic records confirm your income, and otherwise a decision usually comes within 45 days under federal timeliness standards. Responding quickly to any request for documents prevents delays. Coverage can be retroactive to the first day of the month you applied, and there is no enrollment window.
Does my child need to be a citizen for Apple Health for Kids in Washington?
No. Since October 1, 2026, federal Medicaid and CHIP are limited to citizens, green card holders and a few other groups, but HCA states that children who would otherwise qualify receive state-funded Apple Health for Kids. DACA recipients have never qualified for federal Medicaid or CHIP. Applying does not require every household member to share status.
