Medicaid, the nationwide health insurance program for low-income Americans, provides basic health care coverage to 22% of Washington residents through funding provided by the state and federal governments. Seniors and the disabled make up 17% of Medicaid enrollees in Washington, where the program is known as Apple Health.
All Washington residents aged 64 and under who earn less than $1,384 per month automatically qualify for up to $16,752 in health care services such as cancer screening, treatment for chronic diseases and emergency medical care.
Washington seniors age 65 and older who receive Social Security Income and earn under $771 monthly per person, or under $1,157 when applying as a couple, may qualify for no-cost Apple Health Long-Term Services under the Categorically Needy SSI Related Medical (S02) designation.
To learn more about Apple Health Long-Term Services for seniors, call the Washington Healthplanfinder at (855) 923-4633.
Community Options Program Entry System
Washington seniors who require extensive assistance with two or more activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, toileting or taking medication, may qualify for the Community Options Program Entry System. This Medicaid Home and Community-Based waiver prevents or delays nursing home placement among Washington seniors by providing additional services and supports within an assisted living setting.
Seniors approved for the COPES program who reside in assisted living facilities must contribute towards their care costs by paying a monthly participation amount.
The amount a senior pays is based on their countable income and the services used. Costs such as a personal needs allowance, child support payments, guardianship fees and eligible medical expenses may be excluded from countable income under this program.
It’s important to note that enrollment in the COPES program is currently capped at approximately 45,000 participants statewide and projected to rise to a maximum of 56,644 participants. Seniors who qualify for COPES may be placed on a waiting list.
For more information about the COPES program, contact the Everett Community Service office of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services at (877) 501-2233.