Washington Hospitals Project $6 Billion Medicaid Revenue Loss by 2033
A new report from Washington's state hospital and community health associations projects hospitals will lose nearly $6 billion in revenue through 2033 due to federal Medicaid funding cuts enacted last year. Sen. Maria Cantwell and healthcare leaders highlighted the findings at an Oct. 20 Seattle news conference, warning of rising ER wait times, higher premiums, staff cuts and clinic closures. Rural areas, including Washington's 6th Congressional District, are projected to be hit hardest, with Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend bracing for over $1 million in new uncompensated care. Roughly 200,000 Washingtonians are expected to lose Medicaid coverage by the end of next year, with new work requirements taking effect January 1 and about 10,000 immigrants already losing coverage October 1.