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Federal Changes Threaten Access to Care
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and other recent federal changes pose serious threats to health care access in Washington—especially for low-income and underserved communities. NoHLA launched a Federal Health Care Changes Hub to help our community navigate these challenges.
A Look Back at 2025
Federal attacks threatened health coverage for 1 in every 20 Washingtonians, and state budget shortfalls placed even more individuals at risk. Our 2025 Year in Review highlights how, with your support, we fended off state health cuts and advanced new patient protections.
NoHLA: Advancing Health Justice for All
For over 25 years, Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA) has been a powerful voice for health equity in Washington State. As a nonprofit, public interest organization, we believe that everyone—regardless of income, immigration status, or background—deserves access to quality, affordable health care.
Our mission is bold yet clear: to eliminate barriers and challenge unjust systems that prevent Washingtonians from getting the care they need. We work at the intersection of policy, legal advocacy, and community engagement to build a health care system that truly serves all people.
NoHLA’s impact includes expanding access to affordable coverage through programs like Washington Apple Health/Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and Cascade Care, the state’s public option. In coalition with partners, we’ve helped secure stronger legal protections for patients, held both the state and health care industry accountable when rights are violated, and empowered communities to understand and assert their health care rights. Learn more about our story and impact here.
NoHLA News & Highlights
We spotlight key developments in health policy, legal advocacy, and community action that are shaping the movement for health equity across Washington State. From federal rollbacks and state-level legal strategies to grassroots organizing and upcoming events, we’re sharing the stories, resources, and opportunities that matter most. Whether you're a legal professional, advocate, policymaker, or community member, this is your trusted source for staying informed and engaged in the fight for accessible, equitable health care.
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New Survey Results, 2026 Premiums, Countdown to Legislative Session, and more
More than 200,000 Washingtonians just got bills for 2026 premiums – many of which have ballooned. One family in Vancouver, WA, shared that their premiums alone will cost over $30,000.
This is the reality for many people. It’s what we heard from more than 1,000 Washingtonians surveyed by NoHLA and our Fair Health Prices WA partners. We recently wrapped up this new health care survey, and, as we shared at the state Health Cost Trends hearing the results are heartbreaking, including: 2 in 3 Washingtonians surveyed skipped care they needed in the last year due to cost alone.
Washington’s 60-day legislative session starts January 12. Huge challenges await, but NoHLA remains determined to defend our health care gains and advance patient protections.
Explore our December newsletter for:
- NoHLA’s Legislative Session Preview
- FREE Legislative Lunch & Learn January 15
- Webinar Recording: Public Benefits & Immigrant Communities
- Summer Legal Internship Application
- Board Member Opportunity
- + More
Policy Win: Medical Debt No Longer on WA Credit Reports
Nationally, the federal government and corporations are working hand-in-hand to dismantle many health care consumer protections. A federal judge recently struck down a Biden-era rule that aimed to remove medical debt from credit reports.
But here in Washington, people with medical debt will still be protected, thanks to a new state law. We worked with partners in our Fair Health Prices Washington coalition to support the new law, which just went into effect.
When we surveyed Washingtonians in 2024, nearly one-third reported being burdened by medical debt. Under the new law, credit reporting agencies can’t use medical debt when calculating a person’s credit score—often a key factor in securing housing and employment.
This reform is especially meaningful for low-income and underserved communities, who are disproportionately affected by medical billing practices and debt collection.
Tackling Medical Debt in Washington: Policy & Progress
In a recent article featuring NoHLA’s Co-Executive Director Emily Brice, the bill’s sponsor Sen. Marcus Riccelli explained, “If you wake up and you have a bad day, you end up in the emergency room, that shouldn't impact whether or not you can get a job or get housing." We couldn’t agree more.
Medical debt is not a reflection of someone’s credit-worthiness - it’s a reflection of a broken health care system.
Good News for Washington Immigrant Health Privacy
On August 12, 2025, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction in a case brought by Washington, California, and other plaintiff states challenging a new federal practice sharing Medicaid data with immigration enforcement.
The court’s decision currently blocks data collected from plaintiff states from being used for immigration enforcement, citing serious concerns about privacy and fairness. While litigation is ongoing, this is a meaningful win for immigrant communities and public health advocates working to protect access to care.
Read more from NoHLA’s declaration and we will keep you updated on this developing item.
New Resource: Federal Health Care Changes Hub
Feeling overwhelmed by upcoming changes to Medicaid (Apple Health), Medicare, or the ACA Marketplace (WA Healthplanfinder)?
NoHLA’s new Federal Health Care Changes Hub is here to help. Our first resource is a clear timeline outlining the key provisions and rollout dates from the June 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule and July’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)—two major federal actions reshaping access to care. We’ll keep adding more resources to this information hub as we learn more.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney.
If you are a low-income resident of Washington State, you may be eligible for free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance through CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral), a toll-free legal hotline operated by the Northwest Justice Project.