Sponsored post for Community Health Care
BY CATHY HALL | 11/6/2026
Do you use Apple Health (Medicaid) for your health insurance? Big changes are coming.
Back in 2025, Congress passed Public Law 119-21 (H.R.1) also known as “The Big Beautiful Bill.” It was signed into law by the president in July 2025. H.R.1 contained many changes, including tax cuts and increased border and defense spending. Other key sections of H.R.1 included cuts to Medicaid (Apple Health) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
How does that affect people on Apple Health? What are the big changes coming down the line? Here is a timeline of the changes: What has already gone into effect (starting Oct. 1, 2026):
Eligibility changes: Refugees, asylees, and other noncitizen adults may no longer be eligible for Medicaid. What will go into effect after Jan. 1, 2027:
Work requirements: To remain eligible, people enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to work, train, or volunteer 80 hours a month (with some exceptions).
Renewal processes: People enrolled in Apple Health for Adults will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of 12 months.
Retroactive coverage: Retroactive Medicaid coverage pays for eligible medical services you received up to three months before the month you submit your Medicaid application, provided you met all Medicaid eligibility requirements during those past months. Retroactive coverage will be shortened from three months to one month for Apple Health for Adults and shortened to two months for all other Apple Health programs.
All these changes can be confusing. Trying to reach state agencies in a time of change can be a long and frustrating process. If you need assistance in working your way through this tangled maze of regulation changes, call Community Health Care. Community Health Care can help in two ways:
Community Health Care has a team of Insurance Navigators to help walk people through these changes and how the new rules might affect them. This service is offered free to everyone, patients, and non-patients. Navigators are available by phone and inperson. If English is not your first language, Community Health Care can also provide language services.
If you do lose your Apple Health coverage, you don’t need to go without healthcare. Community Health Care can bill on a sliding scale that fits your income and family size. Before services are provided, you can ask what the bill will be upfront so you can make an informed decision.
Community Health Care is of the firm belief that the best health care is preventative. Keeping up with medical and dental health is a lot less costly in the long run than going to the emergency room or dealing with a chronic issue after it can no longer be ignored.
To help walk you through the new Apple Health rules, call our Insurance Navigator team at 253-722-2154 or visit our Apple Health changes website at commhealth.org/ applehealthchanges.
