Many states are applying for five-year waivers to receive federal funds for inpatient treatment of adults age 21-64 in Institutions of Mental Disease (IMDs) with more than 16 beds. Washington State received federal approval of an amendment to their existing Medicaid waiver last week. The waiver amendment will allow the state to maintain and expand...Continue reading→

First Lady Trudi Inslee penned an op-ed in The Seattle Times about how Washington is strengthening our efforts to expand women’s health care. In a new initiative, the Department of Health is partnering with Upstream USA to provide sustainable tracking and technical assistance to approximately 300 public and private health centers over the next four...Continue reading→

In April, NoHLA released a new report with recommendations for a new approach to provide comprehensive health coverage to uninsured immigrants. County-based health coverage programs, modeled off of programs operating in other states, including California and Maryland, could close the coverage gaps that persist for adult immigrants. The proposal is picking up steam in King...Continue reading→

Advocates are extremely concerned about the potential inaccuracy of the 2020 census, which will have a huge impact on continued federal funding. The Trump Administration ‘s proposal to include a citizenship question would undoubtedly suppress participation in the census from immigrants who are intimidated by the question. Washington State Budget & Policy Center Executive Director...Continue reading→

We previously mentioned the Administration’s proposal to significantly alter the Title X family planning program. The policy change is often considered a “gag rule” because it precludes providers from giving patients referrals for abortion services if they receive family planning funds. The proposed rule would seriously undermine the Title X program by interfering with the...Continue reading→