OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new bill aimed at increasing reimbursements for medical costs, strengthening Medicaid, and expanding healthcare access in Washington. The legislation introduces the Medicaid Access Program, utilizing federal funds to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for various medical services and adjusting costs for inflation.
The Washington State Medical Association highlighted that nearly one in four residents in the state rely on Medicaid. This demonstrates the significant impact the bill could have on the community.
Opponents of the bill voiced concerns about the potential rise in health insurance costs. “Funding this program with tax dollars could make the monthly premiums more expensive,” they said.
