Medicaid State Directed Payment Program gains federal approval

WSHA is celebrating the successful approval of Washington State’s 2026 State Directed Payment Program. Approval came from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Wednesday. The program provides a critical boost to the state’s Medicaid program, increasing funding for hospital services delivered to Medicaid patients. The program must be reapproved by the federal government each year. WSHA worked closely with the Washington State Health Care Authority to secure reapproval of the program.

We want to thank the HCA staff and Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray who provided vital support at the federal level. We are grateful for these partnerships that help sustain local access to hospital level health care services. Program details have been sent by email to impacted hospital CEOs, CFOs, Government Affairs Leaders and Legal Counsel. (Jason Hotchkiss)