Are you a young adult in Washington State and concerned about healthcare coverage and resources, especially if you’re starting a family? You might be wondering about available support programs, and one valuable benefit you should know about is the free car seat program in Washington State, offered as part of broader healthcare initiatives. This guide will explain how young adults in Washington, particularly those with a foster care background, can access comprehensive health benefits, including valuable programs like the free car seat initiative.
Understanding Apple Health Coverage for Young Adults in Washington
If you’re under 26 and have a connection to foster care in Washington, you could be eligible for Apple Health, Washington State’s Medicaid program. This coverage extends to young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday, ensuring continuous healthcare access up to their 26th birthday.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for Apple Health if you answer “yes” to either of these statements:
- Are you currently under 21 and in foster care or another eligible out-of-home placement with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or a federally recognized tribe in Washington State?
- Did you leave foster care or another eligible out-of-home placement on or after your 18th birthday, and are you under 26?
Eligible out-of-home placements include:
- Licensed foster and relative care
- Tribal foster care
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) foster care in Washington
- Dependency Guardianships established before June 2010
- Suitable other placements (unlicensed, court-ordered)
Note: Youth in the Adoption Support program are eligible until their 18th birthday, or up to age 21 if still in high school.
Fee-for-Service or Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC)?
Eligible individuals can choose between two types of Apple Health coverage: Fee-for-Service or Managed Care through Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC).
Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC): This managed care option provides comprehensive healthcare management, including physical, behavioral, and dental care. AHCC offers care managers who can assist you in finding providers and coordinating your healthcare needs, ensuring you receive the necessary support.
Fee-for-service: This option allows you to see any Washington Apple Health provider who accepts the ProviderOne card. However, you are responsible for finding your own providers and ensuring they are aware of your health history and any required specialized care.
If you are between 18 and 26 and eligible for Apple Health, you can remain in AHCC or switch to fee-for-service. To discuss the best option for you, contact the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) at 1-800-562-3022 or [email protected].
Exploring Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC) Benefits
Apple Health Core Connections, managed by Coordinated Care and the Health Care Authority, is specifically designed for youth currently in care and alumni of foster care in Washington State. If you were in foster care when you turned 18, you are automatically enrolled in this plan until your 26th birthday month.
AHCC offers various programs to support your well-being:
- Adolescent to Adult (a2A): Connects you with resources, health education, and care as you transition into adulthood.
- Substance Use Support: Provides screening, specialized care management, and connections to treatment and support services for alcohol and drug use.
- Mental Health Support: Offers depression management and comprehensive mental health services.
- LGBTQIA+ Support: Ensures you receive inclusive and supportive healthcare services tailored to your sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Transgender Health Services: Provides care management for transgender health and gender-affirming care.
- Zero Suicide Initiative: A program focused on reducing suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors through ongoing support.
Comprehensive Coverage:
AHCC covers a wide range of services, including:
- Urgent care and Emergency Room visits
- Doctor and specialist appointments
- Substance abuse treatment
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Dental and vision care (exams, glasses, contacts)
- Mental health services
- Transgender health services
- Smoking cessation support
- Family planning services
- Behavioral health services
Extra Perks with Coordinated Care AHCC:
- Rewards Program (18+): Earn rewards for healthy behaviors, redeemable for personal care products, groceries, and more.
- Care Management & Member Connections: Receive personalized assistance with benefits, resources, and health condition management.
- Online Member Account (18+): Manage benefits and access a digital ID card 24/7.
- 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line: Get immediate medical and mental health support and guidance anytime.
- SafeLink Cell Phone (18+): Eligible members can receive a free cell phone with monthly minutes and data.
Contact Coordinated Care for AHCC Benefits:
- Website: CoordinatedCareHealth.com/AppleHealthCoreConnections
- Phone: 1-844-354-9876
- Social Media: @CoordinatedCare on Facebook and Twitter
Key Things to Remember About Your Apple Health Coverage
- Your Apple Health eligibility (fee-for-service or AHCC) continues until your 26th birthday if you were in foster care on your 18th birthday.
- Apple Health covers medical and behavioral health services only. For TANF or food assistance, visit www.washingtonconnection.org.
- Keep both your ProviderOne and AHCC cards after leaving foster care.
- Contact FCMT for eligibility and enrollment questions.
- Always update your address and phone number with FCMT to receive important healthcare information.
Lost ProviderOne Card?
Call the Foster Care Medical Team (FCMT) at 1-800-562-3022 (follow the specific phone prompts detailed in the original article for efficient connection).
Lost AHCC Card?
Request a new card by calling 1-844-354-9876 or through your Online Member Account at www.coordinatedcarehealth.com.
Maximize Your Apple Health Benefits: Beyond the Basics
Apple Health offers numerous valuable benefits beyond standard medical care, designed to promote your overall health and well-being.
Dental Care:
Adults over 21 receive comprehensive dental benefits, including exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions. Youth under 21 have expanded dental coverage. Ensure your dentist accepts the ProviderOne Services Card.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
With a doctor’s prescription, Apple Health covers various OTC medications, including pain relievers, allergy and cold medicine, and prenatal vitamins.
Smoking Cessation Support:
Access no-cost medications (gum, patches, lozenges) and counseling to help you quit smoking.
Family Planning Services:
Apple Health covers a full range of family planning services for both women and men, including annual exams and various birth control methods (pills, IUDs, condoms, etc.).
Transportation to Medical Appointments:
Non-emergency transportation assistance (rides or gas reimbursement) is available for medically necessary appointments. Contact your Regional Broker to arrange transportation.
Vision Care:
Children up to 20 receive annual eye exams and coverage for eyeglasses and contacts. Adults 21+ receive eye exams every 24 months and can access discounted eyewear through participating providers.
Flu Shots:
Get your annual flu shot at no cost at participating pharmacies or your doctor’s office.
Teladoc:
Coordinated Care members can use Teladoc for 24/7 virtual doctor consultations for non-emergency medical issues via phone, tablet, or computer.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room:
For non-emergency situations, utilize urgent care clinics or the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line. Emergency Rooms are for life-threatening conditions only.
No Healthcare Bills:
With Apple Health, you should not receive bills for covered services. Contact FCMT or your health plan if you receive a bill.
Behavioral Healthcare:
Access mental health and substance abuse services, including counseling, therapy, and medication, as part of your Apple Health benefits.
Start Smart for Your Baby: Including the Free Car Seat Program
For expectant parents or new parents enrolled in Coordinated Care Apple Health Core Connections, the Start Smart for Your Baby program offers extra support, most notably the free car seat program in Washington State.
Free Car Seat Benefit:
As part of Start Smart for Your Baby, you can receive a no-cost car seat when you notify Coordinated Care of your pregnancy by completing the Notification of Pregnancy (NOP) form at least 6 weeks before your due date.
Additional Start Smart Benefits:
- Breastfeeding Support: Access to a no-cost, high-quality breast pump for nursing mothers.
Enroll in Start Smart for Your Baby:
- Call 1-877-644-4613 (TDD/TTY 1-866-862-9380).
- Log in to your Coordinated Care account and complete the Notification of Pregnancy form.
Rewards Program and Other Support Systems
Coordinated Care AHCC also offers a Rewards Program to incentivize healthy behaviors. Earn rewards for activities like wellness exams, redeemable for essential items. Additionally, the Cell Phone Program provides eligible members with a free smartphone and monthly service. Care Management services offer personalized support in navigating social services and health plan benefits.
Conclusion: Accessing Support and a Healthier Future in Washington State
For young adults in Washington State, especially those with foster care experience, Apple Health Core Connections provides a robust safety net of healthcare coverage and support programs. The Free Car Seat Program Washington State exemplifies the valuable resources available to help young families thrive. By understanding and utilizing these benefits, you can access essential healthcare, family planning resources, and vital support systems to build a healthier and more secure future. Contact the resources mentioned throughout this article to learn more and enroll in the programs that best meet your needs.
