What Medicaid cuts passed by U.S. House could mean for WA

Washington leaders warn that 194,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage due to a Republican-backed budget bill passed by the U. S. House. Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the state may lose $2 billion in federal funding over the next four years, asserting that no reserve fund could backfill this loss. The cuts threaten the viability of nursing homes and rural hospitals, with Ferguson stating, “Hospitals will close in Washington state.

” A group of Republican lawmakers from Washington, including House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, urged the 12-member congressional delegation to protect the state's Medicaid program, known as Apple Health. They highlighted that local health care resources cannot endure the economic shockwaves expected from significant cuts. The legislation proposes reductions of $600 billion to $700 billion to Medicaid over ten years to finance tax cuts and other initiatives. The bill passed the House narrowly with only Republican support, with Washington's U. S.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner asserting that “elections have consequences. ” Key changes in the bill include requirements for certain Medicaid recipients to prove employment, volunteer work, or educational attendance to maintain coverage.