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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 2h

Has Apple Health coverage positively impacted your life? We’d love to hear your story! Your experience can show others the power of health coverage and the importance of access to care.

You can securely share your story here: https://loom.ly/oZ01ts8

A dad with medium dark skin and black hair is brushing his teeth in the mirror with his daughter.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 18h

This unique training is specifically designed for parents, caregivers, and other family members of individuals with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Learn more and register today: https://loom.ly/SSQJ_Hw

Suppor your loved ones impacted by addiction. Register for Substance Use Disorder education sessions.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 22h

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A call to honor Native cultures, face hard truths, and work toward justice.

Indigenous peoples are not relics of the past — they are vibrant, vital, and leading the way toward a more balanced and inclusive future: https://loom.ly/ctSZHKM

Indigenous Peoples' Day: A Day to Remember, a Future to Build Together

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 1d

Many mental health and substance use disorder treatment services are covered under #AppleHealth. Options are available for care after-hours, in a crisis, or away from home (call/text 988 for free to get urgent support in a crisis). #988 💙🍏💙

More at hca.wa.gov/behavioral-health-and-recovery

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 1d

Maybe you’re struggling. Maybe you’re anxious. Maybe you feel really, really low. Just know that you aren’t alone. There are people who care and talking with them can get you through the tough times. Here are some free resources that can help.

Teen Link: 1-866-TEENLINK (1-866-833-6546), teenlink.org, call text or chat

Crisis text line: www.crisistextline.org or text 'help' to 741741

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 1d

Do you know if you have Hepatitis C? Many people don’t show symptoms and are at risk of long-term liver damage. There’s only one way to know: get tested!

Ask your doctor about getting tested at your next visit. Learn more at hca.wa.gov/hep-c

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 2d

Were you pregnant in the last 12 months and don’t have Apple Health coverage? The new After-Pregnancy Coverage program offers no cost services to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For more information and to see if you qualify visit hca.wa.gov/apc.

Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 2d

Were you in foster care at age 18 and are now age 18 to 26? You may be eligible for free health coverage through Apple Health (Medicaid) for Foster Care Alumni!

View the flyer to learn how to apply: https://loom.ly/mJxVnOQ

Were you in foster care at age 18? You may be elligible for free health coverage

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 2d

National Customer Service Week was first proclaimed through a joint resolution in Congress in October 1992. Since then, the first week of October has been a time to renew focus on the customer. October also marks the kick-off of HCA’s Customer Experience Month.

A group of about 30 adults pf varying ages and ethnicities standing together, smiling.

Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 3d

The Native & Strong Lifeline, WA’s help line for all Indigenous people in the state, now offers text and chat services.

These new options expand efforts to provide support for people experiencing thoughts of suicide, substance use, or emotional distress: https://loom.ly/MvhafDk

Native people supporting Natives. Native & strong lifeline. Dial 988 and press 4

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 3d

Living with a serious mental illness can be challenging, but no one has to face it alone. If you need help reach out to a loved or 988lifeline.org #WorldMentalHealthDay

It's okay to ask for help. You are not alone

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 4d

Dr. Judy Zerzan, HCA’s Medical Director, shares her appreciation for the incredible professionals who support Washingtonians with skill and compassion during National Customer Service Week.
#CustomerServiceWeek

https://loom.ly/bIxQDlQ

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 4d

Prevention helps us get ahead of challenges. So that individuals, families, and communities can be healthy and thrive. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month

#SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth

Prevention aims to: prevent initiation of substance use, prevent progression of substance use (to a substance use disorder), and prevent consequences associated with substance use. Substance use and misuse prevention month.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 4d

Notice: Apple Health customer service phone lines for clients and providers will be down from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., today, Thursday, October 9. We apologize for any inconvenience! In the meantime, please visit our website at www.hca.wa.gov

Apple Health customer service phone lines for clients and providers will be down today from 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm

Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 5d

“The real impact happens one person at a time.” Dave Iseminger, Director of HCA’s Employee and Retiree Benefits Division, shares his heartfelt thanks during National Customer Service Week. #CustomerServiceWeek

https://loom.ly/jo69QkQ

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 5d

Information on the use of benzodiazepine during pregnancy and lactation. Learn more about managing the risks of benzodiazepine use before and during pregnancy and while breast/chestfeeding: https://loom.ly/-ewWsR4

Benzodiazepine use in pregnancy and lactation. Taking benzodiazepines during pregnancy can be risky. But for people with strong anxiety, they might be okay to use for a short time, especially when starting other safer medicine or if needed for a procedure or surgery.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications indicated for generalized anxiety disorder, seizures, and insomnia. These drugs end in “lam or pam” such as alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, or clonazepam. 5% of people aged 18-65 years old are given benzodiazepines by a provider. But, many people who take benzodiazepines don’t get them from a provider. Usually, they get them from a friend or family member.

Benzodiazepines and pregnancy. Most benzodiazepines were classified in the former FDA pregnancy category as class D, meaning that there has been some evidence of human fetal risk, but in some cases, the benefits may outweigh the risks.
Some were classified as class X (i.e., flurazepam, estazolam, temazepam), which can be harmful in pregnancy. Benzodiazepines can cross the placenta and enter breast/chest milk.

Benzodiazepines can cross into breast/chest milk during lactation, some studies have determined the amount to be very little. One study found alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam to have milk to plasma ratios of less than 1 and relative infant doses of less than 10%, which is considered compatible with nursing.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 5d

PEBB members: The Oct edition of the For Your Benefit newsletter will soon arrive:

• PEBB State & Higher Ed: https://loom.ly/-yfJ-Nk
• PEBB Employer Group: https://loom.ly/74CL9BE
• PEBB Retiree: https://loom.ly/3Zgsyms
• PEBB Continuation Coverage: https://loom.ly/ZWab07g

For Your Benefit October 2025, Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program

Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 6d

“People come to us not when life is easy, but when it’s hard.” Trinity Wilson, HCA’s Division Director for Medicaid Customer Service, shares what makes this work so powerful and so personal. #CustomerServiceWeek

https://loom.ly/tRK12OI

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 6d

Even if you don’t need Apple Health (Medicaid) right now, you or someone you know may need it one day. A job loss, health crisis, or major life event could mean you or a loved one might qualify for Apple Health in the future. Visit hca.wa.gov/apple-health today to learn more.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 6d

Hospital care is some of the most critical — and costly — care that WA residents use.

An analysis found that spending on inpatient hospital care accounted for nearly 20% of spending.

Learn more about how hospital stays shape WA’s health care spending: https://loom.ly/4Smm5xU

Bar graph titled "Proportion of commercial market spending by category".

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 7d

HCA Chief of Staff Taylor Linke reflects on the importance of National Customer Service Week, an initiative she helped bring to the agency nearly a decade ago. #CustomerServiceWeek

https://loom.ly/inWiMOc

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 7d

There is strong evidence that doula care is associated with improved perinatal and infant outcomes. Learn about the recommendations for implementation and sustainability for a Washington statewide doula hub and referral system: https://loom.ly/foPF36M

Washington statewide doula hub and referral system: recommendations for implementation and sustainability

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 7d

It’s National Customer Service Week! HCA Director Ryan Moran kicks off the celebration by recognizing the critical role customer service plays in public health.

https://loom.ly/xRw_Itc

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 8d

Learn about Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) health care and services and how to apply for or renew coverage. For more information visit hca.wa.gov/apple-health

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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 8d

Have you received treatment for Hepatitis C? If you are covered by Apple Health (Medicaid) and have a Hepatitis C story to share, you may be eligible to receive a $50 gift card if we use your story. #EndHepC

Submit your story online at hca.wa.gov/voices-apple-health