WASHINGTON STATE – Proposed federal spending cuts could significantly impact healthcare and basic needs access for many in Washington.
Cassie Sauer expressed concern about the potential loss of coverage for 200,000 to 350,000 people in the state.
“We think it’ll be between 200,000 and 350,000 people in Washington state who will lose coverage. That’s a lot of people who go from having insurance coverage to being uninsured, and if they need healthcare, they’re going to the hospital,” said Sauer.
Avery, a social worker who requested her last name not be shared, highlighted the importance of social work as preventative care.
“Being able to meet with the social worker like myself and set goals… they might not be able to receive that resource anymore or help trying to navigate the housing system,” she said.
Without support, young people might struggle to navigate systems independently, Avery added.
Her message to policymakers was clear: “This will impact people.” The potential cuts could lead to increased reliance on emergency rooms, with experts warning of possible hospital closures.
Sauer added to to the risks hospitals were facing before the bill was passed.
She says, “Our state has what’s called a distressed hospital fund… about 20 hospitals in the state applied. That means they’re operating in the red. If they take major cuts to Medicaid, they could move from barely hanging on to actually close,” stated Sauer.
She noted that cuts have already led to closures of various healthcare units, including labor and delivery, mental health and outpatient services like physical and occupational therapy.
Social workers in Spokane are preparing for increased community needs, longer waitlists and more complex cases. They stress the importance of maintaining access to food, housing and healthcare as basic rights necessary for survival.
