To apply for Washington Medicaid, most people use Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org, the state's online benefits portal. Washington's program, Washington Apple Health, has two features families often find unexpected: the state uses a spend-down instead of a Miller Trust, and the home-equity exemption goes up to $1,130,000, the highest federal ceiling. This guide walks through every application channel, what documents to gather, and what to expect after you submit.
How to Apply for Washington Medicaid
Washington gives applicants three main ways to submit an Apple Health long-term care application. The online portal handles most cases, but phone and in-person options are available.
Online Through Washington Connection
Go to washingtonconnection.org and select "Apply for benefits." You can create an account to save your progress and upload documents, or submit a guest application. The portal covers Apple Health for long-term care, including nursing facility and home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.
Creating an account takes a few minutes. With an account you can track your application status, respond to document requests, and receive notices online instead of by mail.
By Phone
Call 1-877-501-2233 to reach DSHS. A worker can take your application over the phone, explain the spend-down rules, and tell you which documents to submit. Hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
For TTY/TDD users: dial 711 or 1-800-833-6388.
At a Local DSHS Home and Community Services Office
DSHS operates Home and Community Services (HCS) offices across Washington. Walk-in appointments and scheduled visits are available. Office staff process long-term care Medicaid applications, assess care needs, and explain the financial eligibility process.
To find your nearest HCS office, visit the DSHS office locator or call 1-877-501-2233.
Documents to Gather Before You Apply
Missing paperwork stalls applications. Have these ready before you submit.
Identity and citizenship:
- Social Security card or SSA benefit award letter
- U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization
- Washington state ID or driver's license
- Enrolled in Medicare? Your Medicare card serves as proof of citizenship
Income:
- Social Security award letter or most recent SSA-1099
- Pension and retirement income statements
- Any rental income records
- Last 30 days of pay stubs if still working
Assets and financial accounts:
- Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts (current month plus 3 months back)
- Statements for CDs, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts
- Applying for nursing home or HCBS waiver coverage? DSHS reviews 60 months of financial records under the look-back rules. Prepare five years of account statements.
Property and insurance:
- Property deed or county assessor statement for any real estate
- Life insurance policies (face value and cash surrender value)
- Vehicle title or registration
- Pre-paid funeral or burial contract
Medical expenses (for spend-down calculations):
- Recent medical and hospital bills
- Prescription receipts
- Health insurance premium statements
Can Someone Else Apply on Your Behalf?
Yes. A family member or designated representative can submit the application if the applicant cannot do so themselves.
An authorized representative can sign the application, submit documents, check status, and receive correspondence. The applicant (or their legal guardian) designates the representative in writing on a form DSHS provides.
Someone with power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship can act as the applicant's representative with documentation of that authority.
What Happens After You Apply
After DSHS receives the application, a worker will review your financial information and typically schedule a functional screen to assess care needs. For long-term care Apple Health, DSHS aims to complete eligibility determinations within 45 days, though complex cases may take longer.
If DSHS requests additional documents, respond quickly. A missed deadline can result in denial even when the person would otherwise qualify.
You can check your status by:
- Logging into Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org
- Calling DSHS at 1-877-501-2233
- Visiting your local HCS office
If approved, coverage can be backdated to the first of the month you applied, or in some cases up to three months retroactively.
Not sure where to start? Chat with Brevy's care navigator at brevy.com to walk through the Washington Apple Health application.
How to Appeal If You Apply for Washington Medicaid and Get Denied
You have 90 days from the date on your denial notice to request a fair hearing through DSHS. You can request one by calling 1-877-501-2233, in writing to your local HCS office, or through Washington Connection.
At the hearing you can present documents, explain your situation, and challenge any incorrect findings. A hearing officer issues a written decision. If you disagree, you can pursue further appeal.
For free help navigating a denial, contact the Washington Apple Health ombudsman program or a local legal aid organization.
Where to Get Free Help
You do not have to figure this out alone.
DSHS Home and Community Services. HCS office staff process long-term care applications and can explain the spend-down and asset rules at no charge. Call 1-877-501-2233 or find an office at dshs.wa.gov.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman investigates complaints and can help families understand their rights in the application process. Call 1-800-562-6028.
SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors). Washington's free insurance counseling program helps seniors with Medicare and Medicaid questions. Call 1-800-562-6900 or visit insurance.wa.gov.
Area Agencies on Aging. Washington's thirteen AAAs serve every county. They offer free benefits counseling and can help older adults apply for Apple Health long-term care. Find yours through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
Elder law attorneys. For complex situations, particularly those involving the five-year look-back or spend-down planning, a qualified elder law attorney can identify options and help protect assets within the rules. See our guide to Medicaid planning strategies.
Ready to apply for Washington Medicaid? Talk to Brevy's care navigator and get help with every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Washington does not use Miller Trusts (Qualified Income Trusts). If your income exceeds the medically needy income level (approximately $994/month), you qualify through the spend-down pathway by incurring medical and care costs. No separate trust document is needed.
A single applicant may have up to $2,000 in countable assets. A couple may have up to $3,000. The primary home (up to the $1,130,000 equity limit), one vehicle, household goods, and prepaid burial are exempt. These rules come from WAC 182-513-1350.
Washington ties its home-equity exemption to the highest federal limit set by CMS each year. For 2026 that is $1,130,000 under WAC 182-513-1350. As long as the applicant's equity in their primary home is below that amount, the home is exempt and does not count against the asset limit. Most states use the lower federal floor (around $713,000), so Washington's limit is significantly more permissive.
DSHS aims to complete determinations within 45 days for long-term care applications, though complex cases can take longer. The fastest way to keep the process moving is to respond quickly to any document requests from DSHS. Check your status at washingtonconnection.org or by calling 1-877-501-2233.
Yes. Washington pursues estate recovery for Apple Health recipients who were 55 or older when they received long-term care services, as required by federal law. Exceptions apply for surviving spouses, dependent children under 21, and certain hardship cases. For more detail, see our guide to Medicaid estate recovery explained.
Yes. DSHS Home and Community Services offices across Washington accept applications in person. Staff can help with the paperwork, explain the financial eligibility rules, and schedule a care-needs assessment. Find your nearest office at dshs.wa.gov or call 1-877-501-2233.
Learn More
- Washington Medicaid Eligibility and Income Limits
- Medicaid Planning Strategies
- Medicaid Estate Recovery Explained
Find personalized help applying for Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.