WA budget includes 150M to maintain health coverage for low-income immigrants

Washington state's Legislature approved a budget plan that allocates $150 million to maintain Medicaid-like coverage for low-income immigrants through the Apple Health Expansion program. This initiative, launched last year, provides essential health care for individuals without legal status, but it could become a target for federal funding cuts as Congressional Republicans pursue legislation to penalize states with such programs. The federal government currently covers 90% of costs for eligible enrollees under the Affordable Care Act, but this match would decrease to 80% if states continue these initiatives. Local advocates, such as Catalina Velasquez of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, commend the program for extending crucial support to marginalized communities. In December, approximately 1.

8 million residents in Washington were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. The budget bill, awaiting Gov. Bob Ferguson's signature, reflects the ongoing debate over health care funding amid a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. Critics argue that the state should prioritize funding for citizens over noncitizens. The situation highlights the tension between local needs and federal policy changes regarding immigrant access to health care.