State Policy · WA
Washington Allocates $20M for Immigrant Long-Term Care After Medicaid Coverage Loss
Washington state allocated $20 million to provide long-term care services for fewer than 200 refugees, asylees, and other lawfully present noncitizens losing Medicaid coverage on October 1, 2026. State officials had anticipated the funding would cover more individuals. The coverage loss affects lawfully present noncitizens who are no longer eligible for full Medicaid benefits. The limited reach of available funding creates a significant coverage gap for this vulnerable population needing long-term care services.
Why it mattersWashington's allocation demonstrates the high per-person cost of long-term care services and signals potential fiscal and access challenges for states managing coverage transitions for lawfully present noncitizens, particularly those requiring institutional or home- and community-based services.