Assuring equity in health coverage.

HB 1482 creates a state-funded Apple Health Expansion program to provide no-cost health coverage to Washington residents ineligible for federal health programs due to immigration status. It directly affects over 1 million immigrants in Washington who face structural barriers to coverage, including undocumented individuals with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Key provisions include establishing a Medicaid-equivalent program with identical benefits to federal coverage (excluding long-term services), extending financial assistance for health/dental plans to match Affordable Care Act subsidies, and requiring a community accountability committee with immigrant representation to monitor service quality. The bill also mandates culturally appropriate outreach and requires annual reports to the legislature on program implementation and costs.