Washington

Latest

1. Published Nov 3

   MultiCare, Samaritan Finalize Merger After State Regulatory Approval

   Medicaid Monitor
2. Published Nov 3

   Pioneer Human Services Invests in Behavioral Health Workforce to Address Critical Shortages

   Skagit Valley Herald ↗Link only
3. Published Nov 2

   Washington Insurance Commissioner Gee Backs Universal Primary Care Push

   In a KIRO 7 opinion piece, Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler's office (branded here as "Gee") argues the state should move toward universal healthcare by first guaranteeing primary care access for all residents. The piece frames catastrophic medical costs as a financial risk the state should mitigate, positioning primary care as a starting point rather than full single-payer reform. No specific legislation, funding mechanism, or implementation timeline is detailed in the commentary. The argument is directed at Washington policymakers and residents weighing incremental versus comprehensive health coverage expansion.

   Why it mattersState policymakers and Medicaid stakeholders in Washington should watch whether this advocacy translates into concrete legislative proposals that could reshape coverage design and funding obligations.

   Read at Office of the Insurance Commissioner ↗

   Office of the Insurance Commissioner ↗
4. Published Oct 30

   Washington ACA Enrollment Holds Up Despite Subsidy Cuts, Rate Hikes

   Medicaid Monitor
5. Published Oct 22

   Washington HCA Wins NAMD Award for Youth Care Coordination Pathway

   Medicaid Monitor
6. Published Oct 21

   250,000 Washington Residents Risk Losing Medicaid Next Year

   Medicaid Monitor
7. Published Oct 20

   Washington Expects 250,000 to Lose Medicaid Under Work Rules

   Medicaid Monitor
8. Published Oct 20

   Washington Hospitals Project $6 Billion Medicaid Revenue Loss by 2033

   Medicaid Monitor
9. Published Oct 19

   Washington DSHS Plans Budget Cuts, AI Pilot for SNAP Errors

   Medicaid Monitor
10. Published Oct 16

    Washington AG Seeks to Intervene in Noncitizen Medicaid Coverage Suit

    Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by a Washington nonprofit against the federal government over Medicaid coverage for refugees, asylees, and other lawfully present noncitizens with significant health needs. The AG's office argues its intervention is needed to protect eligible Washington residents' access to Medicaid coverage during the litigation. The case centers on federal action affecting eligibility rules for these noncitizen categories, who are otherwise qualified for the program. Timing of a court ruling on the intervention motion was not specified.

    Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies and advocates must watch whether federal eligibility restrictions for lawfully present noncitizens survive legal challenge, since the outcome will directly determine coverage continuity for refugees and asylees nationwide.

    Read at Washington Attorney General ↗

    Washington Attorney General ↗
11. Published Oct 15

    ABA Provider Focused Behavior Solutions Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

    Medicaid Monitor
12. Published Oct 14

    MultiCare, Samaritan Health to Merge November 1

    Medicaid Monitor
13. Published Oct 13

    West Coast Health Alliance Issues Fall Vaccine Recommendations

    Medicaid Monitor
14. Published Oct 12

    Poll Shows Tight WA-03 Race Where Voters Cite Healthcare Costs

    Medicaid Monitor
15. Published Oct 8

    King County Official Details Response to Immigrant Medicaid Cuts

    King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda discusses how the county is responding after federal changes removed roughly 11,000 Washington immigrants from Medicaid coverage, with additional cuts expected. Mosqueda characterizes the federal action as a "betrayal" and outlines county-level efforts to address the resulting coverage gaps. The affected population includes immigrants who had qualified for Medicaid under prior eligibility rules. The interview does not specify an effective date for further cuts but indicates the county is actively planning its response.

    Why it mattersCounty and state health officials in Washington must now plan for safety-net costs and coverage gaps left by the federal eligibility restrictions affecting immigrant Medicaid enrollees.

    Read at KUOW ↗

    KUOW ↗
16. Published Oct 7

    Washington Weighs Tightening Eligibility for Disability Services

    Medicaid Monitor
17. Published Oct 5

    WA Congressional Candidates Clash Over Medicaid Cuts, Immigrant Coverage

    Medicaid Monitor
18. Published Oct 2

    Judge Lets Some Immigrants Keep Washington Medicaid Coverage

    Medicaid Monitor
19. Published Oct 1

    MultiCare Health System Launches New Medicare Advantage Plan

    Medicaid Monitor
20. Published Sep 30

    14,000 Washington Immigrants Lose Medicaid Eligibility Oct. 1

    Medicaid Monitor
21. Published Sep 10

    Washington Approves 22% ACA Exchange Rate Increase for 2027

    Medicaid Monitor
22. Published Aug 17

    Washington Proposes Wage Freeze for 80,000 Medicaid Home Care Workers

    Medicaid Monitor
23. Published Aug 10

    HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Washington Wildfires, Enabling Section 1135 Waivers

    Medicaid Monitor
24. Published Aug 10

    Washington Allocates $20M for Immigrant Long-Term Care After Medicaid Coverage Loss

    Medicaid Monitor
25. Published Aug 10

    CMS Announces Emergency Flexibilities for Washington State Public Health Crisis

    Medicaid Monitor
26. Published Jul 23

    Seattle Hospital, UNOS Sued Over Race-Adjusted Kidney Function Formula Delaying Transplant Eligibility

    Medicaid Monitor
27. Published Jul 10

    Washington State Launches First Public Long-Term Care Benefit Program

    Medicaid Monitor
28. Published Jun 30

    CMS Launches WISeR Gold Card Exemption Program July 6 in Washington State

    Medicaid Monitor
29. Published Jun 30

    Washington State Launches WA Cares Long-Term Care Insurance Program July 1

    Medicaid Monitor
30. Added Jun 16

    Washington Sued Over Medicaid Assisted Living Funding Cuts

    Medicaid Monitor