State Policy
CHNW promotes public policies in Olympia that increase access to health insurance and health care, and reduce the number of uninsured people in our state. We partner with the Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers (WACMHC) on policy and advocacy.
Washington Legislature Saves Funding for Critical Health Care Programs
The Washington State Legislature recently passed a state budget that preserves funding for important primary care safety net programs and provides a bridge to federal health care reform and coverage expansions in 2014.
In addition to helping community health centers care for uninsured people, the final budget maintains funding for:
- 65,000 adults on Basic Health
- 20,000 adults on Disability Lifeline (formerly GA-U)
- 50,000 pregnant women to continue receiving maternity support services through Medicaid
- 120,000 low-income adults to continue receiving basic dental services through Medicaid
- 16,000 low-income children on Apple Health
Legislators’ courageous decision to raise $757 million revenue to help fund these programs brings us one step closer to affordable health coverage for all Washingtonians.
Under health care reform, Washington State also has the opportunity to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver. If approved, this would bring in funding to offset some of the cost of Basic Health and Disability Lifeline. If the waiver is approved and our state receives federal funding, an additional 4,000 people may be added to Basic Health.
Community Health Centers are Health Care Homes
We strive for a health care system in which patients are getting their health care in a medical home setting. The state is implementing quality measures that will incentivize providers to integrate medical home components into their practices. Community Health Centers (CHCs) can serve as a model for these efforts. CHCs use a Health Care Home model, integrating medical, dental and behavioral health with comprehensive wrap-around services that maximize effectiveness of clinical care.
Washington State Legislature
Find your Washington State legislator, as well as information about past, current, and upcoming legislative sessions, bills, regulations, and the legislative process.
