Can you get Medicaid while on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can definitely apply for Medicaid while receiving unemployment! UI benefits are counted as income but Washington has expanded Medicaid so the income limits are pretty generous. You should apply through Washington Healthplanfinder as soon as possible since coverage can be retroactive.

i got medicaid while on unemployment last year, no problems at all. just make sure you report your UI income accurately when you apply

I had a really hard time getting through to anyone at DSHS about my Medicaid application when I was on unemployment. Kept getting disconnected or put on hold forever. If you run into the same problem, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to the right people. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

Just want to clarify - you apply for Medicaid through Washington Healthplanfinder, not through Washington ESD. They're completely separate systems. Your unemployment benefits count as income for Medicaid purposes but shouldn't disqualify you if you're under the income limits. Make sure to have your 1099-G from Washington ESD when you apply.

The whole system is so confusing! I've been on unemployment for 8 weeks and still haven't figured out all the other benefits I might qualify for. Between job searching requirements and trying to navigate healthcare options, it's overwhelming.

Pro tip: if you qualify for Medicaid, you might also qualify for food assistance (SNAP). The income limits are similar and you can apply for both at the same time through the DSHS website.

Been there. Lost my job in December and was panicking about health insurance. Applied for Medicaid while on unemployment and got approved within a few weeks. The key is to apply as soon as possible because coverage can start the month you apply if you qualify.

Make sure you understand the difference between Medicaid and the insurance marketplace. With your unemployment income, you'll probably qualify for Medicaid which has no monthly premium, rather than a subsidized marketplace plan.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you report any changes in your unemployment benefits to Medicaid. If Washington ESD changes your weekly amount or you go back to work, you need to update your Medicaid case.

I used Claimyr when I had issues with both my unemployment claim and my Medicaid application. Sometimes you need to talk to a real person at these agencies and their phone system is impossible. The service really helped me get my questions answered quickly.

Don't forget that if you're approved for Medicaid, you need to pick a managed care plan. There are several options in Washington and they each have different provider networks.

This thread is super helpful! I'm in the same situation and was putting off dealing with health insurance. Sounds like I need to get my Medicaid application submitted ASAP.

Word of warning - even though you can get Medicaid on unemployment, make sure you're still meeting your job search requirements for Washington ESD. Don't let the healthcare stuff distract you from your weekly claims and job contacts.

If anyone's still reading this thread - I just wanted to add that I used Claimyr specifically to get through to Washington ESD about how my Medicaid application might affect my unemployment benefits. Turned out it doesn't affect them at all, but it was good to get confirmation from an actual ESD representative.

Thanks everyone for all the info in this thread. I feel much more confident about applying for Medicaid now. It's nice to know other people have been through the same situation successfully.

One more thing to consider - if you have any existing prescriptions, make sure to ask about formulary coverage when you're choosing your Medicaid managed care plan. Different plans may cover different medications, so if you take something regularly, you'll want to make sure it's covered under whichever plan you select. I learned this the hard way when I switched plans and had to jump through hoops to get my medication approved.