Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Says State’s Recovery Policy Will Be Adjusted To Protect New Medicaid Enrollees

In December 2013, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) released a news announcement reassuring new Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) applicants that the state will amend its estate recovery policy to avoid unintended consequences for enrollees under the Medicaid expansion.  The change aligns state policy with federal requirements and limit recoveries to enrollees 55 and over who are in long-term care and have related prescription drug and hospital costs. In 2004, Washington expanded its estate recovery policy to apply to Medicaid services and associated costs for clients 55 and older. While largely non-controversial over the last 10 years . . .