Medicaid Estate Recovery in Washington: when someone dies

Steps to take

1. Confirm whether the deceased received Apple Health long-term services and supports at age 55 or older, or any state-funded long-term care.
2. Report the death to the OFR Estate Recovery Unit at 1-800-562-6114 and ask whether a claim or lien will be filed.
3. Treat the OFR claim as a debt of the estate before distributing assets to heirs.
4. If recovery would create undue hardship, request a hardship deferral from OFR. Eligible applicants include:
   • The registered domestic partner of the deceased
   • An heir for whom recovery would deprive them of a place to live with no money to live elsewhere
   • An heir with limited income for whom the property is the only source of income
5. When a deferral protects the property (surviving spouse, minor, blind, or disabled child), request lien removal in writing before a bona fide sale or refinance.

Frequently asked questions