The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has begun the Medicaid eligibility verification process – known as Medicaid redetermination with the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. HCA estimated this would impact roughly 300,000 Apple Health clients. Hospitals have a role in ensuring patients are able to either successfully retain coverage if eligible or find replacement coverage. This includes encouraging Apple Health patients to update their income and address to ensure that they are still eligible for the program or help engage in outreach efforts by becoming a volunteer Apple Health Ambassador.
WSHA has posted resources for hospitals, including a recording and slides from a recent webinar provided in conjunction with HCA staff. (Mary Storace, marys@wsha.org)
