All eyes will be on the budget this year, as the Legislature faces a $10-12 billion revenue shortfall over the 4-year budget cycle and prepares for new threats to health care from the Trump Administration and Congress. Incoming Governor Ferguson has already asked state agencies to identify $4 billion in potential cuts. We’ll keep you updated throughout the session on this unfolding situation and other top health care priorities for Washington patients.
2025 Legislative Session NoHLA Priorities
1. Defend an equitable health safety net.
We’ve made major progress toward ensuring insurance coverage for all. Since 2010, the rate of Washingtonians with coverage has risen from ~86% to ~95%. Our health reforms are now working to cover over 2 million Washingtonians. We can’t go back: NoHLA will fight against cuts to the health safety net and ask legislators to continue their commitment to equitable care.
Apple Health. We will oppose cuts to Apple Health/Medicaid that would harm people by reducing eligibility or limiting benefits. We will support efforts to reduce disparities in Apple Health for older adults and people with disabilities. Health coverage for immigrants. We will prioritize maintaining recent immigrant coverage expansions that provide a lifeline to almost 12,000 Washingtonians, and call for new Apple Health Expansion slots to address the over 11,000 who tried to access coverage but were denied due to capped funding. Cascade Care Savings. We will support maintaining the state’s funding for Exchange premium assistance, at least $55 million/year. If possible, the Legislature should expand state funds to backfill the federal enhanced premium tax credits that are expected to expire this year and address unmet demand for the state program. Progressive revenue. We will support new progressive revenue to address the state’s revenue shortfall, rather than balancing the budget on the backs of marginalized communities.
2. Improve health care affordability.
Washingtonians are facing a health care affordability crisis. Together with partners in Fair Health Prices Washington, we surveyed over 1,000 Washingtonians about their health care experiences in 2024. The results were shocking: over half had skipped care they needed in the past year due to cost, and nearly ⅓ were struggling with medical debt.
Stop unfair medical bills. We will support proposals that protect patients from harsh medical billing practices, such as wage garnishment for medical debt, medical debt reporting on credit scores, and surprise hospital facilities fees. Slow corporate influence. We will support proposals that address outsized profit incentives in health care by enhancing state oversight of health system consolidations and corporate practices. Improve transparency. We will support proposals that shed light on the “proprietary” health care prices used by providers and insurers. Tackle high prices. We will prioritize HB 1123/SB 5083, an innovative proposal to improve affordability and access for public workers. This bill would rebalance excessive hospital prices, allowing reinvestment in primary care and behavioral health.
3. Expand access to care.
Reproductive health. As other states erode rights, we will support proposals to improve & protect access to contraception, abortion, and other reproductive health care in Washington. Care denials. We look forward to proposals that would help eliminate unnecessary care delays and denials, such as excessive prior authorization requirements.
Stay tuned for regular updates as the legislative session proceeds.
