Sen. Maria Cantwell released a report last week detailing the financial blows Washington’s healthcare system would suffer from federal Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1, including losses of nearly $6 billion for hospitals by 2033. The report uses data from the Washington State Hospital Association and the Washington Association for Community Health.
WSHA appreciates Cantwell’s leadership in elevating the real-world impact of these cuts on patients, hospitals and communities. During a press conference at Harborview Medical Center, Cantwell joined healthcare leaders in warning that the cuts could lead to higher healthcare costs, longer emergency department wait times, reduced services and increased financial strain on hospitals across the state.
Mike Glenn, CEO of Jefferson Healthcare, and Sommer Kleweno Walley, CEO of Harborview Medical Center, joined to speak about the serious risks the cuts pose to their organizations and the patients who depend on them.
The report also highlights the growing challenges of uncompensated care and the importance of protecting healthcare access for all Washingtonians. Estimates suggest roughly 200,000 Washington residents could lose health coverage as new eligibility and work requirement provisions take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2027.