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Health News Updates
1. Devastating impacts to Medicaid. Kaiser Family Foundation estimates Washington will lose at least $3 billion per year in federal Medicaid dollars each year for the next 10 years. 250,000 Washingtonians will lose Medicaid coverage & to be priced out of the state’s health care exchange. The bill has several provisions directly targeting refugees and other humanitarian entrants, with most groups cut off from Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act access starting next year. Read more here. The graphic on the right showcases these statistics and how they will impact children in WA State.
2. All Washingtonians on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see benefits reduced. 1 million Washingtonians who receive assistance from SNAP will see their benefits reduced under the bill and more than 130,000 Washingtonians could lose benefits.
3. Clean energy investments at risk. The bill passed out of Congress puts at least $8.7 billion in Washington’s clean energy investments at risk. The U.S. Climate Alliance estimates the bill’s removal of wind and solar energy tax credits will raise Washington households’ electricity costs by $115 per year by 2029.
The WA State Department of Health has a new website for accessing key information about the DOH's interactions with the federal government.
Thurston County commissioners proclaim May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, recognizing their cultural contributions and diverse histories throughout the region.
Lin Crowley, representing the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of South Puget Sound, accepted the proclamation during the board’s Tuesday, May 6, meeting and extended an invitation to the public for an upcoming community celebration.
“Washington has a very rich and diverse AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) population,” Crowley said “More than 20% of the state identifies as AANHPI, and these communities have played vital roles in shaping the history and culture of our state.”
Washington Apple Health Expanding Coverage
Washington Apple Health has expanded coverage to Washingtonians (including undocumented individuals)!
🌐The application for the expanded coverage has closed, but you can still apply via https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/ for the opportunity to be randomly selected to enroll if space opens. Visit the website for more eligibility information or call the following phone numbers depending on your age:
If you are between 19-64 years old call 1-855-923-4633
If you are 65+ years old call 1-877-501-2233
Call or check their website for more information!
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