January 17, 2025

Delivered via email

Honorable Members of the Senate and House of Representatives,

During the 2025 session it is imperative that Washington state take action to promote access to care for Medicaid enrollees by increasing reimbursement rates for the delivery of primary and specialty care. Passage of the Medicaid Access Program (HB1392 and SB 5372)—which maximizes federal funds to support investments in our state’s Medicaid program—is the top priority of the Washington State Medical Association, supported by the undersigned physician community partners.

Washington state has a long history of supporting health care reform and increasing access to quality care. Ten years ago, the WSMA and many other health, social, and equity organizations came together to push for the expansion of Medicaid in our state.

It was the right thing to do, and we were successful in bringing insurance coverage to a million more Washingtonians. About 20% of the state’s population is enrolled in Washington’s Medicaid program (known as Apple Health) today.

While we have made significant improvements to expanding coverage, the high number of Medicaid enrollees has intensified another problem: ensuring meaningful access to medical services. Despite the state’s high dependence on Medicaid for coverage, the Washington State Legislature has not kept pace with rising costs for the physicians and advanced care practitioners providing services for those patients. The underpayment forces too many physicians, practices, and medical groups to turn patients away.

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