The House Energy and Commerce Committee, along with the Ways and Means Committee, recently proposed significant cuts to health programs, primarily targeting Medicaid. The proposal, released on May 11, includes measures such as implementing work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks for Medicaid recipients.
The Washington Legislature has reached the half-way mark ... Photo by Charles Lenhardt.
On a federal level, Congress has begun a budget “reconciliation” process to allow Congress to cut Medicaid with a simple Senate majority. Congressional committees are considering policy changes to cut Medicaid spending that could fundamentally alter the program.
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.
It’s clear there are tough times ahead for health care. Nationally, the Trump Administration will try to slash Medicaid and Medicare, threaten immigrant and reproductive care, and repeal key Affordable Care Act consumer protections. At a state level, we’re facing a steep $10-12 billion budget deficit
Despite the challenges ahead, NoHLA remains committed to health care for all Washingtonians, including immigrants who are a vital part of Washington’s communities. In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation article, NoHLA’s Senior Policy Advocate Lee Che Leong explained, “People are looking around and realizing that our health is interconnected, both globally and locally,” Leong said....
One take-away from this election cycle is the growing realization that people are ready for real solutions to the health care affordability challenges we face. Washington voters upheld the WA Cares program, showing an appetite for innovative approaches to paying for long-term care. Data shows that across party lines, Washingtonians are ready for creative solutions...