Washington launched the Apple Health Reentry Demonstration Initiative on July 1, 2025, making it the second state in the country -- and the first to use managed care organizations -- to implement a federal Section 1115 demonstration waiver providing Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage up to 90 days before release from prison, jail, or a youth correctional facility. The program won the National Association of Medicaid Directors' 2025 Spotlight Award.
Washington's pre-release program launched at 8 facilities on July 1, 2025; expanded to 12 by November 2025; and is on track for 56 facilities statewide by July 2026. An estimated 94% of people releasing from Washington DOC incarceration are Apple Health-eligible.
Washington also has a network of Reentry Centers -- bridge facilities where incarcerated individuals can spend up to 18 months before release working, building community connections, and managing their own healthcare. Voting rights are restored upon release from prison in Washington, including while on parole or probation.
Here is how the system works and what you need to do.
Apple Health Reentry Demonstration Initiative
Washington's Apple Health Reentry Demonstration Initiative is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA, hca.wa.gov). It launched July 1, 2025 as part of Washington's Medicaid Transformation Project 2.0 (MTP 2.0), an agreement between Washington State and the federal government.
Key facts:
Washington is the second state in the nation (after California) and the first to use managed care organizations to implement the Section 1115 reentry waiver.
Services are available to Apple Health-eligible adults and youth up to 90 days before their expected release from state prisons, county jails, and youth carceral facilities participating in the initiative.
Three services are mandatory for all participating facilities. Four additional services are optional.
Mandatory services include: reentry health screening, case management and care coordination, and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and alcohol use disorder (MAUD).
Optional services include: targeted outpatient SUD treatment, Hepatitis C testing and treatment, transition support, and lab services.
An estimated 94% of people releasing from Washington DOC are Apple Health-eligible.
Facility rollout:
July 1, 2025: 8 facilities (5 county jails in predominantly rural areas, 1 tribal jail, 2 juvenile detention facilities). Washington DOC launched 3 state prisons in this first cohort.
November 1, 2025: 4 additional facilities.
January 2026: 11 more planned.
July 2026: 23 more committed -- total 56 facilities statewide.
How to access: Ask your DOC counselor or facility health staff whether your facility is participating in the Apple Health Reentry Initiative and whether your Apple Health enrollment has been initiated. Check current participating facilities at hca.wa.gov.
Legislative foundation:
SB 6430 (2016): Allowed HCA to suspend (not terminate) Apple Health coverage during incarceration.
HB 1348 (2021): Delays suspension of Apple Health coverage.
SB 5304 (2021): Authorized HCA to seek federal funding for pre-release services.
What Washington DOC Provides at Release
Washington State Department of Corrections (WA DOC, doc.wa.gov) provides structured reentry programming through Reentry Centers, the Graduated Reentry program, and assigned Reentry Navigators.
Regarding ID documents before release: Washington DOC does not have a statewide prerelease agreement with the Social Security Administration. Ask your DOC counselor whether your facility provides assistance with state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate processing before release and confirm the status of each document.
Washington DOC Reentry Centers
Reentry Centers serve as a bridge between life in prison and life in the community. Key features:
Residents focus on transition: finding and retaining employment, education, treatment, reconnecting with family, and developing life skills.
Referrals possible up to 30 months before earned release date (ERD). Eligible individuals may transfer to a Reentry Center with up to 18 months remaining on their sentence.
Cost/benefit: Washington State Institute for Public Policy research shows that for every dollar spent on reentry programs, $3.82 is returned to the state.
Graduated Reentry (GRE) pathways: Track 1 (prison to Reentry Center to electronic home monitoring to release) and Track 2 (prison to EHM to release). ESSB 5219 (July 2025) extended all partial confinement programs to 18 months.
Each GRE participant is assigned a Reentry Navigator to assist with transition planning and resource location.
Health care at Reentry Centers: Most residents have Apple Health (Medicaid) or private insurance and access community-based health care providers. The Medicaid formulary is used for medications. There are no restrictions on medication types at Reentry Centers; however, residents needing methadone should note that there is no methadone clinic near the Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center.
Getting Your Washington State ID or Driver's License
Washington state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL, dol.wa.gov).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any Washington DOL driver's licensing office. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Washington address. Your WA DOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Getting Your Social Security Card
Washington DOC does not have a statewide prerelease SSA agreement. If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office after release. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
If you were born in Washington, request a certified copy from the Washington Department of Health Center for Health Statistics at doh.wa.gov or by calling 360-236-4313. The fee is currently $25 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time.
Apple Health: Washington Medicaid
Washington expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Apple Health is Washington's name for Medicaid, administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA, hca.wa.gov). Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible.
Apple Health is suspended during incarceration under the standard inmate exclusion policy, but Washington law (SB 6430, 2016) requires suspension rather than termination. Apple Health coverage resumes upon release.
Apply for Apple Health at washingtonconnection.org or call 1-855-923-4633. If your facility is participating in the Apple Health Reentry Initiative, your enrollment and pre-release services should be coordinated through facility health staff.
SNAP: Food Assistance
Washington has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Washington subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP through the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at dshs.wa.gov or call 1-877-501-2233.
Voting Rights in Washington
Washington restored voting rights upon release from prison in 2009. People who have been released from incarceration -- even while on parole or probation -- can vote in Washington. There is no waiting period.
Register to vote at myvote.wa.gov after your release. Contact Northwest Justice Project (nwjp.org) or the Washington Secretary of State's office (sos.wa.gov) if you have questions about your eligibility.
Washington DOC and Reentry Resources
Washington DOC (doc.wa.gov): Reentry Centers (bridge facilities, up to 18 months before ERD); Graduated Reentry program (Tracks 1 and 2; Reentry Navigators assigned); reentry counselors; vocational programs; education.
Apple Health Reentry Initiative (hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/medicaid-transformation-project-mtp/reentry-carceral-setting): 90-day pre-release Apple Health services; launched July 1, 2025; 56 facilities statewide by July 2026; case management, MOUD/MAUD, SUD treatment, care coordination; participating facility list online.
Washington HCA / Apple Health (hca.wa.gov; washingtonconnection.org; 1-855-923-4633): Apple Health (Medicaid) applications; pre-release enrollment through Reentry Initiative.
Washington DSHS / SNAP (dshs.wa.gov; 1-877-501-2233): SNAP applications; no drug conviction ban.
Washington DOL (dol.wa.gov): State ID and driver's license.
Washington Department of Health Vital Statistics (doh.wa.gov; 360-236-4313): Birth certificates; $25 per copy.
Northwest Justice Project (nwjp.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income Washingtonians statewide, including reentry, benefits, and housing matters.
TeamChild (teamchild.org): Legal and advocacy services for youth involved in the criminal justice system in Washington.
211 Washington (wa211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, employment, and social services.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
What is Washington's Apple Health Reentry Initiative?
The Apple Health Reentry Demonstration Initiative is Washington's pre-release Medicaid program, launched July 1, 2025 as part of the state's Medicaid Transformation Project 2.0. It provides Apple Health (Medicaid) services to eligible incarcerated adults and youth up to 90 days before their release from participating state prisons, county jails, and youth facilities. Washington is the second state in the country to implement this type of program and the first to use managed care organizations. The program won the NAMD 2025 Spotlight Award. Three mandatory services are required at all participating facilities: reentry health screening, case management and care coordination, and MOUD/MAUD treatment. Four optional services (SUD treatment, Hepatitis C, transition support, labs) may also be provided. Ask your facility health staff whether your facility is participating.
When did Washington's pre-release Medicaid program launch?
July 1, 2025. Eight facilities went live on that date, including 5 county jails, 1 tribal jail, 2 juvenile detention facilities, and 3 Washington DOC state prisons in the first cohort. Four more facilities launched November 1, 2025. Eleven additional facilities were planned for January 2026 and 23 more committed for July 2026, for a total of 56 facilities statewide. View the current participating facility list at hca.wa.gov.
Can I get Apple Health Medicaid after prison in WA?
Yes. Washington expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible for Apple Health. Apple Health is suspended during incarceration but resumes upon release -- it is not terminated. Apply at washingtonconnection.org or call 1-855-923-4633. If your facility participated in the Apple Health Reentry Initiative, your enrollment should have been coordinated during the 90 days before release. Confirm with your facility health staff whether this was initiated.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in Washington?
Yes. Washington has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply through DSHS at dshs.wa.gov or call 1-877-501-2233.
Can I vote after prison in Washington?
Yes. Washington restored voting rights upon release from prison in 2009. People who have been released from incarceration can vote -- even while on parole or probation. No waiting period or petition is required. Register at myvote.wa.gov after your release. Contact Northwest Justice Project (nwjp.org) or the WA Secretary of State (sos.wa.gov) if you have questions about your eligibility.
How do I get my birth certificate in Washington?
If you were born in Washington, request a certified copy from the Washington Department of Health Center for Health Statistics at doh.wa.gov or call 360-236-4313. The current fee is $25 per copy. Ask your DOC counselor whether the facility can assist with this before release. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early -- out-of-state requests take time.
How do I replace my Social Security card in WA?
Washington DOC does not have a statewide prerelease SSA agreement. Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office after release. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What are Washington DOC Reentry Centers?
Reentry Centers are bridge facilities between prison and community where eligible incarcerated individuals can spend up to 18 months before their earned release date. Residents focus on employment, education, treatment, reconnecting with family, and developing life skills. For every dollar spent on reentry programs, $3.82 is returned to the state (Washington State Institute for Public Policy). Each Graduated Reentry participant is assigned a Reentry Navigator for transition planning. Residents access community-based health care using Apple Health or private insurance. Methadone: there is no clinic near the Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center, so residents needing methadone should consider a different location.
What benefits can I apply for after release in WA?
Apple Health (Medicaid) at washingtonconnection.org (1-855-923-4633) -- resumes upon release; apply immediately. Apple Health Reentry Initiative pre-release services if your facility participated -- confirm through facility health staff. SNAP at dshs.wa.gov (1-877-501-2233) -- no drug conviction ban. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 Washington (dial 211 or wa211.org) for county referrals.
What reentry resources does Washington DOC provide?
Washington DOC (doc.wa.gov) provides: Reentry Centers (bridge facilities up to 18 months before ERD); Graduated Reentry program with Tracks 1 and 2 (ESSB 5219, July 2025 extended to 18 months); Reentry Navigators assigned to each GRE participant; reentry counselors; vocational and educational programming. The Apple Health Reentry Initiative (hca.wa.gov) provides 90-day pre-release Medicaid services at 56 facilities statewide by July 2026. Northwest Justice Project (nwjp.org) provides free legal help. 211 Washington (wa211.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. ---