Dear friends and neighbors,
All this month we are celebrating and honoring the trailblazing women who have shaped history and continue to break barriers. In Washington, more women than ever before are serving in the House of Representatives, and more than half of the House Democratic Caucus are women! I am inspired by their stories, moved by their example, and proud to follow their leadership. Let’s celebrate the radical, resilient, and revolutionary women who make or made history in Washington State.
Medicaid Cuts Threaten Washington’s Health Care System
A proposal in Congress to slash Medicaid and other healthcare funding by $880 billion could devastate Washington’s health care system, particularly in rural areas. The state relies heavily on Medicaid, with over $12.5 billion in federal funding in 2023, covering 1.8 million people, including 47% of children. Proposed cuts could result in reduced coverage, particularly harming those in Central and Eastern Washington, where Medicaid enrollment is highest.
Hospitals across the state are raising alarms, with leaders warning that cuts could force closures of critical services or even entire facilities. Rural hospitals could face financial collapse, putting entire communities at risk. For example, Astria Toppenish Hospital has already closed its obstetrics unit and fears further cuts could lead to total closure.
Health care providers across Washington, from large hospitals like UW Medicine to small rural clinics, emphasize the devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Emergency services and community health centers also rely on Medicaid funding to serve low-income residents, with potential cuts threatening their ability to provide essential care.
The proposal threatens not just Medicaid recipients but the health of entire communities, with increased pressure on emergency rooms, slower responses to medical crises, and rising healthcare costs for everyone.
Over the years, House Democrats have demonstrated a commitment to expanding healthcare access and supporting Medicaid through key investments aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health.
In 2024, the legislature allocated $270 million to continue the Medicaid Transformation Project, which leverages federal Medicaid funds to implement innovative programs that improve access to care and tackle health disparities in underserved communities. Additionally, HB 1626, requires Medicaid to cover colorectal screenings, including less invasive at-home tests, and colonoscopies for positive results, aiming to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.
In 2023, we passed SB 5555 addressing a critical gap in mental health and crisis support services by allowing Certified Peer Specialists—individuals with lived experience—to receive reimbursement from all health plans, expanding access to essential services. Furthermore, the legislature allocated $25 million in 2023 for Cascade Care, a program designed to provide affordable health insurance to individuals with lower incomes who are not eligible for Medicaid, helping to close the coverage gap.
These investments reflect the legislature’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access, affordability, and equity, particularly for Medicaid recipients and underserved populations in Washington State.
Medicaid is critical for millions of Washingtonians, and proposed cuts could have irreversible consequences. House Democrats stand united in seeking to protect access to care for our most vulnerable citizens. Learn more about potential Medicaid cuts here and the devastating impacts an all-cuts state budget could have on healthcare access.
Video Update: Behavioral Healthcare
Behavioral health is critical for overall health and wellbeing and promoting social justice. It encompasses both mental health and substance abuse, which have a significant impact on people’s physical health, as well as their ability to work, be productive and able to care for themselves and their families.
In my last video update, I discuss two bills concerning behavioral health: HB 1634, aimed at ensuring students and teachers in the K-12 system have all the tools they need to coordinate behavioral health supports; and HB 1718 concerning well-being programs for health care professionals who provide reproductive health services.
Upcoming Town Hall
I, along with Senator Wellman and Representative Zahn, look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming town hall on March 22nd at Bellevue College. This is a chance to ask questions about the issues that matter most to our community, learn about the latest legislative updates, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our community. We hope to see you there!
In Service,
Rep. My-Linh Thai