Experts weighed in on Washington’s Section 1115 Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) waiver and the availability of new services it will offer residents at the Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference last week. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved the Washington State Health Care Authority’s (HCA) request to extend and … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic altered workforce habits for many organizations, making telework a permanent option for a large variety of workers. Washington health agencies discussed how telework has affected their business practices during a State Government and Elections Committee meeting on Tuesday. Michaela Doelman, assistant director of human resources at the Office of Financial … Read more
Washington’s Universal Health Care Commission has identified a framework for establishing equity as members consider options for implementing a healthcare coverage system for all residents. The commission was created with the passage of Senate Bill 5399 in 2021 to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for residents. Members voted to implement an equity framework in … Read more
Washington health officials have applied for a Medicaid waiver amendment that would provide health coverage for former foster care youth from other states. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) hosted a webinar to discuss how the amendment would help youths on Thursday. Amy Dobbins, Apple Health (the state’s Medicaid program) eligibility policy … Read more
“The momentum around transformation” is the most important thing happening in Washington healthcare policy, according to Washington State Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch. During our 2023 Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference in January, we sat down with Birch to hear about what she thinks should be top-of-mind for healthcare policymakers. “The Health … Read more
We were truly honored to host two of Washington State’s most impactful health leaders to kick off our recent 2023 Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference. Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Director Sue Birch and Washington Health Alliance Executive Director Drew Oliveira shared their perspectives on recent state health policy movement and their … Read more
Although it is still unclear exactly when the public health emergency (PHE) will end, Washington health coverage professionals are working hard to prepare for Medicaid redeterminations and new procurements. Anthony Woods, Aaron Wilson, and Charissa Fotinos, MD, discussed preparations they are making to help Washingtonians retain their health coverage at the 2022 Inland … Read more
Washington State has committed significant resources to address the workforce challenges for behavioral health treatment agencies. The Health Care Authority (HCA) began the distribution of a $100 million workforce provider relief fund on Monday. The funds will provide lump sum payments to eligible community behavioral health treatment providers contracted and receiving payment through … Read more
Our team is currently hard at work curating the list of 60 speakers who will join us at the 2022 Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference on September 8th. We’ll release the product of that work, our Detailed Agenda, in just two weeks! In the meantime, you can take a look at our Topical Agenda to see … Read more
Washington state health care officials submitted a waiver renewal application for the Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) Friday. The MTP is Washington’s Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver, which is an agreement between the state’s Health Care Authority (HCA) and CMS. It allows the state to implement new policies and use federal Medicaid funds to … Read more