STATE PROFILE • Last updated: November 11, 2026
Washington Elder Care & Medicaid
Washington's Apple Health offers comprehensive long-term care support for seniors, featuring an entitlement-based Home and Community-Based Services waiver and a robust Medically Needy pathway for those with higher incomes.
leaderboard
RANKED #2
GRADE A
FEATURED
Medicaid Coverage Guide for Washington
Full breakdown of COPES (Community Options Program Entry System) for seniors: waiver programs, nursing home eligibility, income and asset limits, spend-down rules, and how to apply.
View Medicaid Guide arrow_forward
Program
COPES (Community Options Program Entry System)
Income cap
No cap
Medically-needy
Yes
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
A
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
GRADE C · 55
QUALITY
GRADE A · 73
STAFFING
GRADE B · 59
ACCESS
GRADE D · 24
MEDICAID SUPPORT
GRADE A · 60
Composite score: 78.7 / 100 (50 = average state)
Methodology arrow_forward
Washington At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
194
Senior Medicaid Waivers
2
National Rank
#2 / 51
Range #2–#4 when the pillar weights shift
Senior Care Costs in Washington
local_hospital
Nursing Home
$13,095/mo
+18.6% vs national avg
- 194 nursing homes · 18,838 beds
- Avg CMS rating 3.19★ (47 rated 5★, 27 rated 1★)
- 4.39 nurse hrs/resident/day (0.88 RN)
Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare
Compare all 51 states →
home_health
Home Health Aide
$33/hr
+22.2% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $22.18/hr
- ~100,360 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS
Compare all 51 states →