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Showing posts from April, 2025

Final Rule for 2026 Healthcare

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  Behind the scenes rulemaking takes place every year to improve the Affordable Care Act. It is done by the US Department of Health and Human Services alongside the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It is usually reserved for us policy nerds. This year was different. A large Coalition of Attorney Generals have sent a letter to Dr. Mehment Oz to withdraw most of the proposals because of their detrimental effect.  If just one or two of these proposals go through it will mean massive changes with the Affordable Care Act Plans.  This is in addition to the lose of the enhanced tax credits which will already raise prices and result in the massive loss of coverages. The average enrolling saved $705 in 2024 because of these enhancements which is the equivalent savings of 44%.  These are not all the changes but some of the big ones. The Final Rule has all exchanges ending Open Enrollment December 15th. In Washington State we have never had an enrollment period th...

Impact of Proposed Federal Medicaid Funding Reductions on Children's Health in North Central Washington

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What is  he potential consequences of proposed federal Medicaid funding reductions on children's health services in North Central Washington. Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington State, plays a crucial role in providing healthcare to children, particularly in rural regions like North Central Washington. The anticipated cuts could significantly affect healthcare access and quality for this vulnerable population. This analysis identifies 20 specific areas of impact, supported by data and expert opinions. ​ 1. Reduction in Health Insurance Coverage for Children Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage to a substantial number of children. In Washington State, approximately 47% of children are enrolled in Medicaid. In Central Washington's Congressional District 4, this figure rises to 70%. Proposed federal cuts could lead to a decrease in coverage, leaving many children uninsured. ​ Maria Cantwell +1 Maria Cantwell +1 2. Inc...

Impact of Proposed Federal Medicaid Funding Reductions on Veterans' Health in North Central Washington

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This white paper examines the potential consequences of proposed federal Medicaid funding reductions on veterans' health services in North Central Washington. With Medicaid playing a crucial role in providing healthcare to low-income individuals, including many veterans, the anticipated cuts could significantly affect healthcare access and quality. This analysis identifies 20 specific areas of impact, supported by data and expert opinions. ​ Maria Cantwell +2 KNKX +2 Axios +2 1. Reduction in Healthcare Coverage for Veterans Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington State, provides coverage to a substantial number of veterans. Proposed federal cuts could lead to a decrease in coverage, leaving many veterans uninsured. According to Senator Maria Cantwell's report, over 1.8 million Washingtonians rely on Medicaid, with a significant portion being veterans. ​ FOX 13 Seattle +1 Washington State Hospital Association +1 Farmonaut® +5 KNKX +5 Maria Cantwell +5 2. Increased...