Hospitals in Washington State are facing financial threats at both the state and federal levels that would challenge their ability to care for patients. At the state level, hospitals face tax increases and caps to reimbursements for caring for public and school employees. Federally, budget reconciliation could lead to deep Medicaid cuts. However, hospital leaders are making their voices heard to convey what’s at stake.
Through our advocacy campaign at the state level, we are pleased to report that hospital advocates have sent more than 1,200 messages to lawmakers, urging them to oppose these harmful policies. If you haven’t already, please contact your lawmakers through our advocacy portal.
Action at the state level will come quickly, as there are less than four weeks left in the legislative session for the House and Senate to negotiate a final budget package.
On the federal front, WSHA members and staff also attended meetings and events with members of our congressional delegation when they returned to the state on recess. This included meetings and events with Reps. Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner and Sen. Maria Cantwell. Federal action is likely to move much slower and could take months or more.
Unfortunately, the clock is ticking for hospitals, as exemplified by the recent layoffs at Valley Medical Center. We are worried more cuts like these could lead to longer waits or farther travel to get needed health care. Advocacy is the greatest tool we have at our disposal, so we encourage you to continue making your voice heard.
Thank you for supporting our hospitals!
Sincerely,
Cassie Sauer
WSHA President & CEO
cassies@wsha.org