There’s no single number that tells you whether you qualify for Washington Medicaid. In Washington State, Medicaid goes by the name Apple Health, and the income standard that applies to you depends on your age, household size, pregnancy status, disability, Medicare status, and which specific Apple Health program you’re looking at.
Most adults ages 19–64 fall under a 138% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) threshold for 2026. Kids and pregnant individuals get higher income ceilings. Seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone needing long-term care follow a different set of rules entirely — non-MAGI rules, which work nothing like the adult calculation.
Washington Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Quick Answer
For Apple Health for Adults ages 19–64, the current 2026 monthly income limits are $1,835 for one person, $2,490 for two people, and $3,795 for a household of four. Other groups — children, pregnant individuals — use different numbers entirely.
2026 Apple Health Income Chart
| Household size | Adults 19–64 | Children — 215% FPL | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $2,860 | $2,860* |
| 2 | $2,490 | $3,879 | $3,879 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $4,896 | $4,896 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $5,913 | $5,913 |
| 5 | $4,449 | $6,932 | $6,932 |
| 6 | $5,102 | $6,932† | $7,949 |
| 7 | $5,755 | — | $8,966 |
*Pregnancy household size includes unborn children, so the practical household size may be larger than the number of people currently living in the home.
†The current HCA children’s table displays $6,932 for household size six at the 215% level.
These are monthly figures. The standard that applies to you shifts depending on the program and the effective date — don’t just take the adult 138% number and assume it covers everyone in your house.
Also See Medicaid Income Limits for Every State
Which Washington Apple Health Program Applies to You?
Start with the person applying. That’s the fastest way to land on the right number.
If you are:
- 19–64 and not eligible for Medicare: Start with Apple Health for Adults.
- Under 19: Check Apple Health for Kids.
- Pregnant: Use the pregnancy-specific Apple Health standard.
- A parent or caretaker: A separate income standard may apply.
- 65 or older, blind, or disabled: Non-MAGI Apple Health rules likely apply to you.
- On Medicare: Look at Medicare Savings Programs — QMB, SLMB, QI-1, or QDWI.
- Needing nursing-home or long-term-care services: LTSS and medically needy rules come into play.
- Ineligible for federally funded Medicaid because of immigration status: Apple Health Expansion may be worth checking, if you meet its requirements.
This distinction actually matters. Medicaid eligibility in Washington is program-specific — it’s not just “am I under 138% FPL, yes or no.”
Apple Health for Adults: 138% FPL
For adults ages 19 through 64, here are Washington’s current Apple Health for Adults income limits:
| Household | Monthly limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $2,490 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $4,449 |
| 6 | $5,102 |
| 7 | $5,755 |
This is the figure behind a lot of the searches for “Washington Medicaid income limit 2026” or “138% FPL Washington Medicaid.” Having a job doesn’t automatically knock you out of the running, though. Apple Health for Adults runs on MAGI-based rules — a specific income methodology, not just a glance at your paycheck.
Apple Health for Kids: Higher Income Limits
Kids qualify at much higher household incomes than adults do. Worth knowing if you assumed one household income determines everyone’s coverage. In 2026, Apple Health for Kids is free for children in households at or below 215% FPL. Washington also runs premium-based coverage for kids in higher-income households, up to 317% FPL.
For a household of four, the current HCA table shows:
- Up to $5,913/month: 215% FPL, no-cost coverage
- $5,913–$8,718/month: higher premium tiers, depending on income
- Up to $8,718/month: the 317% FPL ceiling shown in the current table
Premiums at the 265% tier run $20 per child per month. At 317%, it’s $30 per child per month, with family maximums built in.
Here’s a scenario that trips people up: a parent can be over the adult income limit while their kid still qualifies for Apple Health for Kids. Two different programs, two different thresholds.
Newborns get their own rules, too. HCA states that qualifying newborns can receive 12 months of categorically needy coverage when the birth parent was enrolled in Apple Health at delivery — no income or resource limit applies to that newborn program.
Washington Pregnancy Medicaid Income Limits
Pregnancy changes the math. Effective April 1, 2026, HCA lists pregnancy income limits including $3,879 per month for a two-person household and $5,913 for a four-person household. Unborn children count toward household size for this calculation.
So a person living alone who’s pregnant with twins gets treated as a three-person household. The unborn children are counted in. Washington also offers After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC) — 12 months of coverage after the pregnancy ends, for those who qualify.
Why do some Washington pages say 210% while tables show 215%?
Fair question, and it confuses a lot of people. HCA’s consumer pregnancy page describes eligibility using a 210% FPL threshold, but that page also explains the published standards include a 5% income disregard. The detailed program table reflects the resulting, adjusted figures.
For real eligibility decisions, use the current HCA income table. Don’t try to reverse-engineer the number yourself by multiplying the federal poverty guideline — you’ll likely land somewhere off.
What Counts as Income for Washington Apple Health?
MAGI-based programs use Modified Adjusted Gross Income methodology. That’s a specific calculation, not a stand-in for:
- Your take-home pay
- Your bank deposits
- The taxable income shown on one paycheck
- Whatever’s left after paying household bills
Wages, self-employment income, and certain unearned income can all factor in. Exactly how depends on the income type and which Apple Health program you’re applying under.
Income bounces around from month to month for a lot of people. One unusually high or low paycheck shouldn’t be treated as the number that decides your eligibility. Report accurately and let the Washington Health Care Authority run the determination.
Does Washington Medicaid Count Savings and Assets?
Depends on the program — there’s no single answer here. Most MAGI-based Apple Health categories skip the traditional asset test that older Medicaid programs use. Seniors, people with disabilities, and long-term-care applicants face a different set of income and resource rules altogether.
That’s why “Does Washington Medicaid count savings?” doesn’t have a one-size answer. If you’re 65+, on Medicare, applying due to disability, or seeking long-term services and supports (LTSS), look at the rules built for that specific pathway. The 138% adult standard won’t apply to you.
Seniors, Disability and Medicare Savings Programs
People who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) may qualify through non-MAGI Apple Health programs — a separate track from everything above. Medicare beneficiaries should also look into the Medicare Savings Programs:
- QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
- SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
- QI-1 — Qualifying Individual
- QDWI — Qualified Disabled Working Individual
These can help cover Medicare-related costs, and HCA confirms these programs carry no asset test. Their income standards look nothing like the ordinary Apple Health for Adults limit.
Need nursing-home care, home-based long-term services, or other LTSS? Separate financial rules apply — resource limits, spousal rules, long-term-care standards, the whole framework is different.
What If Your Income Is Too High?
Going over one Apple Health limit doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Depending on your situation, here’s what else might be on the table:
- Apple Health for Kids, if a child meets the higher children’s standard.
- Pregnancy coverage, if you’re pregnant.
- Medically Needy coverage and spenddown for qualifying categories.
- Medicare Savings Programs, if you have Medicare.
- ABD or disability-related programs, where applicable.
- LTSS Medicaid for qualifying long-term-care needs.
- Apple Health Expansion, where available.
- Qualified Health Plan coverage and financial assistance through Washington Healthplanfinder, if Medicaid doesn’t pan out.
Washington’s Medically Needy pathway can cover people whose income sits above the standard categorical limit — as long as they meet program requirements and satisfy a spenddown.
Apple Health Expansion Is Different
Don’t confuse Apple Health Expansion with standard Apple Health for Adults. They’re not the same thing, even though they share some numbers.
Apple Health Expansion is a state-funded program for Washington residents who meet specific eligibility requirements, including income and immigration-related criteria.
HCA currently manages enrollment directly because the program has limited capacity. The published income figures match the current adult numbers — $1,835 for one person, $3,795 for four — but the eligibility rules behind those figures are not identical to standard Apple Health for Adults.
Why You May See Different Washington Medicaid Income Limits Online
Different sites showing different numbers doesn’t automatically mean one of them is wrong. A few common reasons this happens:
- Different Apple Health programs
- Different household sizes
- January versus April standards
- 2025 versus 2026 figures
- MAGI versus non-MAGI rules
- Monthly versus annual calculations
- Medically Needy versus categorically needy standards
- Senior/LTSS rules
- Income disregards
- Different eligibility categories
Washington HCA updates its standards periodically, and most MAGI-based numbers shift around April. Always check the effective date on a table before you trust it.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Run through this in order:
Step 1: Identify the applicant’s age and circumstances.
Step 2: Determine household size — including pregnancy-related members, if applicable.
Step 3: Identify the correct Apple Health category.
Step 4: Determine countable income under that program’s methodology.
Step 5: Compare your income against the current HCA standard.
Step 6: Check the extras — residency, Medicare status, disability, immigration status, program-specific rules.
Step 7: Apply, and provide whatever verification is requested.
Most children, pregnant individuals, adults, and parents/caretakers apply through Washington Healthplanfinder. Other categories — certain aged, blind, disabled, and long-term-care pathways — may run through Washington Connection or DSHS instead. HCA lists the current application route for each.
2026–2027 Washington Medicaid Changes
Apple Health is heading into a period of real change. Worth marking these dates.
| Date | Major change |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | Current annual income standards take effect |
| October 1, 2026 | Certain noncitizen eligibility rules change |
| January 1, 2027 | Apple Health for Adults work requirements begin |
| January 1, 2027 | Adult renewals move from 12 months to 6 months |
| January 1, 2027 | Retroactive coverage periods become shorter |
Starting January 1, 2027, eligible Apple Health for Adults members will generally need to meet work, education, or community-engagement requirements — or qualify for an exemption.
HCA lists qualifying pathways such as at least 80 hours per month of work, education, work programs, or community service, along with additional rules and exceptions. Keep your contact information current. Respond to renewal notices when they show up. These changes make that more important than it’s ever been.
FAQs About Washington Medicaid Income Limits
What is the Washington Medicaid income limit for one person in 2026?
For Apple Health for Adults ages 19–64, it’s $1,835 a month. Children, pregnancy, and senior/disability programs use different standards entirely.
What is the Medicaid income limit for a family of four in Washington?
$3,795 per month under Apple Health for Adults. Children and pregnant individuals can qualify at higher income levels than that.
Can I get Washington Medicaid if I work?
Yes. Working doesn’t automatically disqualify you — it comes down to countable income, household size, and category. Starting January 1, 2027, work or community-engagement requirements kick in for Apple Health for Adults, with exemptions available.
Can my child qualify if I make too much for Medicaid?
Yes. Kids have much higher income standards than adults. Free coverage runs up to 215% FPL, with premium coverage available up to 317% FPL.
What is the pregnancy Medicaid income limit in Washington?
$3,879 monthly for two people, $5,913 for four, as of 2026. Unborn children count toward household size.
Does Washington Medicaid count savings?
Depends on the program. Most MAGI-based categories skip the asset test that certain non-MAGI programs use. Seniors, disabled applicants, and LTSS applicants should check their specific resource rules.
Does Washington Medicaid count Social Security?
It can — but the treatment depends on the program and the type of benefit. Don’t assume every Social Security payment gets treated the same way across categories.
How do I apply for Apple Health?
Most adults, children, and pregnant applicants go through Washington Healthplanfinder. Other programs use Washington Connection or DSHS. HCA points you to the right route based on your situation.
What happens if my income changes after I qualify?
Report it, per Washington’s reporting requirements. Your eligibility gets reassessed under your program’s rules. Keeping your info current heads off renewal problems down the line.
Is Apple Health free in Washington?
Many programs carry no monthly premium. Apple Health for Kids has premium tiers at higher incomes — $20 or $30 per child, depending on the tier.
Can seniors qualify for Washington Medicaid?
Yes, but not through the standard 138% adult calculation. Seniors 65+ typically qualify through non-MAGI Apple Health, Medicare Savings Programs, or long-term-care Medicaid, depending on circumstances.
Conclusion
The $1,835 figure for one adult and $3,795 for a household of four get cited constantly — and they’re accurate. But they only tell part of the story. Apple Health isn’t one program with one cutoff; it’s a set of programs, each with its own math.
Figure out which category actually applies to you first. Then compare your household and income against the current standard for that program — not the adult number by default.
And when the numbers on two different sites don’t match, check the effective date before assuming either one is wrong.
Washington’s rules shift throughout the year, sometimes more than once. Go straight to HCA or Washington Healthplanfinder when it’s time to make an actual coverage decision — not a chart someone published six months ago.
Official Resources
- Check Your Eligibility — Washington Healthplanfinder
- Apply for Apple Health — Washington State Health Care Authority
- Find Long-Term Care Benefits — Washington Connection
- Verify Federal Medicaid Rules — Medicaid.gov
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational guidance and is not legal, financial, or benefits-eligibility advice. Medicaid and Apple Health policies can change, so verify your individual eligibility with Washington HCA or the appropriate official application system before making coverage decisions.
About Naseer
Naseer has 10+ years of experience creating informative content and researching medicare topics. He focuses on simplifying Medicaid and benefits details to support readers find clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand guidance.