Grantee: Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA)
Timeframe: July 2025 – June 2026 | Amount: $80,000
NoHLA is advancing legal and policy advocacy to protect and strengthen Washington’s new health coverage programs for undocumented immigrants. With PHPDA support, NoHLA will provide training, technical assistance, and multilingual outreach to help King County communities navigate these programs in a time of growing political and financial uncertainty.
Although Washington has one of the highest overall insurance rates in the country, undocumented immigrants still face significant coverage gaps due to federal restrictions. In 2019, nearly one in four uninsured adults in the state were ineligible for coverage based on immigration status. These disparities often overlap with racial inequities, as the majority of undocumented Washingtonians are people of color. About 43 percent identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 39 percent identify as Hispanic.
In 2024, NoHLA played a key role in establishing two major state programs for undocumented adults: Apple Health Expansion and Exchange-based coverage with limited premium assistance. These programs now serve over 12,700 people and have become a model for other states. However, demand still exceeds available funding. At least 18,000 eligible individuals remain unable to enroll in Apple Health Expansion. Asian and Pacific Islander communities continue to be underrepresented in enrollment, and many people still face high costs or limited access under the Exchange option.
These challenges are compounded by Washington’s projected $16 billion budget shortfall and increasing federal threats to immigrant programs and health funding. Sustained advocacy is essential to prevent coverage rollbacks and expand access to care.
Through 2025 and 2026, NoHLA will:
Facilitate a biweekly workgroup with community partners to identify and remove barriers to enrollment
Develop and distribute accessible, multilingual materials to help communities understand changing health policies and their rights
Conduct at least eight know-your-rights trainings across the state, including continued monthly education sessions for public benefits navigators in King County
Provide direct technical assistance and policy advocacy to strengthen program implementation
NoHLA’s work ensures that immigrant communities remain informed, supported, and able to advocate for their right to healthcare.
ABOUT OUR GRANTEE
Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA)
“At Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA), our mission is to ensure that every individual in Washington has access to quality, affordable health care. We are dedicated to eliminating barriers and unfair practices that prevent people from receiving the care they need. Through advocacy, education, and legal support, we strive to create a health care system that is equitable and just for all.”
