A pay raise or a growing savings account can make health-coverage decisions feel complicated for someone with a disability. Washington’s Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities program, known as HWD, is worth checking before assuming that earning more puts affordable coverage out of reach.
HWD has no income or resource limit. It allows eligible workers to buy Apple Health coverage through a monthly premium rather than qualifying under an ordinary low-income limit.
Who can apply?
HCA’s eligibility guidance includes Washington residents age 16 or older who work full time, part time or for themselves, meet the program’s disability criteria and meet citizenship or Medicaid immigration requirements. HCA also checks whether another Apple Health program is available.
A diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility. The disability assessment follows federal Social Security disability criteria or a qualifying determination through the state’s Disability Determination Services. Ask the HWD worker what evidence your application needs.
DSHS says benefits include the Medicaid coverage package and Medicaid personal care services for people who qualify for those services. HWD may also be useful to someone who already has insurance but needs better coverage or help meeting health-care costs.
How much does it cost?
The premium is calculated from income and cannot exceed 7.5% of total monthly income. Your actual bill may be lower. American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees are exempt from HWD premiums.
Request your individual premium calculation before comparing HWD with another plan.
How to get started
Apply through Washington Connection, or use HCA’s application for aged, blind, disabled or long-term-care coverage, form 18-005. HCA lists 1-800-871-9275 for HWD application help. These routes serve residents of both Snohomish and Island counties.
Have information about your employment or self-employment, income, disability and existing coverage ready. Ask the worker to explain the proposed start date and monthly premium before changing other insurance.
If your job later ends because of involuntary dismissal or a health crisis, state rules allow a possible continuation through the original 12-month eligibility period while premiums continue. Report the change and ask about that option; it is limited to the circumstances in the rule.
Updated Oct. 30, 2026. Sources: HCA HWD guidance; DSHS program guide; WAC 182-511-1050; premium rule.
