Washington joined three other states Nov. 5 in a new federal lawsuit challenging the work requirements set to change how some adults qualify for Medicaid next year.
The filing seeks court protection for the states. It does not itself change an Apple Health client's coverage requirements or renewal notice.
What the states are challenging
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon, names Oregon, Minnesota, New Mexico and Washington as plaintiffs. It challenges the work and community-engagement requirements Congress added to Medicaid through the 2025 federal budget law, H.R. 1.
The states argue that tying their existing federal Medicaid funding to acceptance of a substantially different eligibility system violates constitutional limits on Congress's spending power. They say the change will impose substantial administrative costs and cause people to lose health coverage, including people who work or qualify for an exemption but struggle with reporting.
Those are the states' allegations. They ask the court to prohibit federal officials from withholding or suspending existing Medicaid funding because a plaintiff state declines to implement the work requirements.
The Washington Attorney General's announcement links the new case to the office's broader efforts to protect Apple Health coverage.
What Apple Health clients can do now
The Health Care Authority's current guidance still lists Jan. 1, 2027, as the start date for the new work requirements and six-month renewals for Apple Health for Adults. Exemptions apply, and the work requirement does not cover every person enrolled in Apple Health. Individual timing depends on the program and renewal process; this is not a single paperwork deadline for everyone.
Keep your contact information current and read the notices for your own coverage. If a letter is unclear, ask HCA or a trained enrollment helper which program you have and what action the notice requires.
Our Apple Health renewal guide explains the upcoming rules and help available. The new Oregon case is separate from the earlier case concerning medical-frailty exemptions.
Information checked Nov. 5, 2026. The Oregon filing is a complaint seeking relief, not a court decision granting it.
