Medicare and Medicaid sound almost the same, and many families mix them up. They are two different programs with different rules. In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.

Medicare: based on age

  • Who: people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities or kidney failure. Income doesn't matter.
  • Run by: the federal government.
  • Parts: Part A covers hospital stays; Part B covers visits to your provider, tests, and preventive care; Part D covers prescriptions.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private plan that replaces Original Medicare and bundles these parts, usually with its own network of clinics.
  • When to sign up: around your 65th birthday (from 3 months before to 3 months after your birthday month), to avoid late penalties.

Apple Health (Medicaid): based on income

  • Who: people with low income, at any age. Children and pregnant people qualify at higher incomes.
  • Cost: free or very low cost.
  • Apply any time at Washington Healthplanfinder (ages 19 to 64), or through Washington Connection (65 and older or with a disability).
  • Most members are enrolled in one of several managed care plans, run by private companies, each with its own network.

Can you have both?

Yes. People with Medicare and a low income can also get Apple Health. Medicare pays first, and Apple Health can help with the rest, including the monthly Medicare premium.

2026 changes for some immigrants

Since October 1, 2026, many refugees, asylees, and parolees (including Ukrainians paroled between 2022 and 2024) no longer qualify for Apple Health unless they have a green card. Children and pregnant people still qualify regardless of status. Medicare rules for some of the same groups change in 2027. Read the official Apple Health fact sheet, or call Apple Health at 1-800-562-3022.

Open enrollment and free help

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. This is when you can switch plans for next year. For free, unbiased help comparing plans, call SHIBA, Washington's Medicare advisors, at 1-800-562-6900.

At our clinic

We accept Medicare and Apple Health. Many people have them through private plans, and each plan has its own rules, so call us at (425) 440-7760 before your visit and we will check yours. You can ask us in Russian or Hebrew. New to the system? Start with our guide to US health care.