Washington-based company Limeade extends well-being solution to help care for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients free of charge

— from Amy Blondin, Washington Health Care Authority —

Camp Murray, WA — In an effort to support the emotional and physical well-being of Washingtonians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s Health Care Authority has worked with Limeade, an employee experience software company, to expand free access to its online wellness tools to more than 200,000 Apple Health (Medicaid) clients through 2020.

This is the first time the Limeade Well-Being solution has been made available to Apple Health clients. More than 1.8 million Washington residents are enrolled in Apple Health; HCA and Limeade selected the clients who would be eligible for this free service based on geography and if they have an active email address on file. Eligible individuals are Apple Health clients ages 19 to 64 and pregnant women in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Spokane counties.

Limeade, based in Bellevue, is the state vendor for SmartHealth, a well-being platform available to more than 400,000 individuals enrolled in the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. The Washington State Health Care Authority administers the PEBB and SEBB programs, which provide health care coverage for more than 644,000 public and K-12 employees and their dependents.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many Washingtonians to experience new levels of stress or anxiety, and is also causing many of us to pay more attention to our physical health,” Governor Jay Inslee said. “We’ve offered this tool from Limeade to our state employees for the past several years to help keep our state employees healthy, and now I hope these tools can help more people—mentally and physically—during this difficult time.”

Eligible Apple Health clients will now have access to:

• An online tool (website or app) addressing emotional, physical, and financial well-being
• An evidence-based Well-Being Assessment
• A library of whole-person well-being activities such as:
  • Showing care in crisis
  • Give thanks to those who need it most
  • Stress reduction and mindfulness

“We are happy to be part of a science-based, technology-enabled plan to serve the great State of Washington,” said Limeade CEO Henry Albrecht. “Limeade is grateful for the opportunity to help support the overall well-being of one of Washington’s most vulnerable populations.”

“Our Medicaid program offers high-quality physical and behavioral health care services, and this additional well-being resource will be a welcome support for Apple Health clients in the coming months,” said State Medicaid Director MaryAnne Lindeblad.

Making this tool to Apple Health clients is one of several strategies HCA is employing to ensure access to health care services—including behavioral health care—during the pandemic.

HCA has purchased and distributed hundreds of Zoom Telehealth licenses to providers to support continuity of care through virtual appointments, and is distributing laptops and cell phones to key providers and clients to facilitate care.

In addition, HCA last week announced changes to Apple Health managed care to ensure provider sustainability and client access to care during and beyond the pandemic.

About Limeade

Limeade is a Bellevue-based employee experience software company that helps build great places to work. The Limeade platform unifies employee well-being, engagement and inclusion solutions with industry-leading communications capabilities.