News

The House and Senate have passed House Bill 2965: Concerning the state’s response to the novel coronavirus. The bill provides at least $100 million in funding for the state’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The bill gives broad authority to the state agencies to use the funding for response purposes, including language authorizing the... Read More >>

This morning the Washington State Insurance Commissioner issued an emergency order requiring temporary benefit modifications related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The changes apply to health carriers and short-term limited duration plans that are defined and regulated by the OIC under RCW 48.43.005 (28) and 48.43.005 (29). The modifications are temporary and unless extended, only apply... Read More >>

Last week, the Health Care Authority (HCA) released a request for applications (RFA) for the procurement of public option plans offered under Cascade Care with coverage to begin January 1, 2021. The RFA materials are available on HCA’s Bids and contracts page. Successful health plan bidders will need to meet network adequacy requirements. Cascade Care... Read More >>

The Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual requires hospitals to adjust their Medicare cost reports to eliminate the portion of association dues related to lobbying expenses. Please forward the following information to the people in your organization responsible for completing and submitting Medicare cost reports. For calendar year 2019, the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) has determined... Read More >>

Many bills of interest to WSHA members, including all our proactive bills, are still alive this session. March 2 was the deadline for bills to pass out of fiscal committees in the opposite chamber from their chamber of origin. They must pass the full opposite chamber by 5pm on Friday, March 6 and ultimately be... Read More >>

In case you missed it, on February 24, the House and Senate each released their proposed 2020 supplemental operating budgets. While both budgets are very positive for health care, the Senate budget is more favorable for WSHA’s top budget priorities. Neither budget proposes cuts to hospitals or health care. The next step is for the... Read More >>

WSHA is available to provide a statewide perspective on hospital readiness and activities surrounding the response to COVID-19.... Read More >>

One big and new item will be how the Legislature appropriates funding for the coronavirus (COVID-19). WSHA strongly supports efforts to bolster public health response.... Read More >>

It seems that all of Washington is watching Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane as they care for patients from the cruise ship with confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19).... Read More >>

On Thursday March 5, WSHA will host a members-only webinar on the new federal public charge rule that took effect on Monday. ... Read More >>