WHCA-PAC | HOW ADVOCACY WORKS

WHCA: Partners in Solutions for Aging, Long-Term, and Post-Acute Care

The Washington Health Care Association (WHCA) is deeply committed to advancing policies that strengthen care for Washington’s seniors and vulnerable adults. We work as partners in creating sustainable, person-centered solutions for aging, long-term care, and post-acute services across our state. Long-term and post-acute care are essential links in the continuum of health services, supporting hospitals, easing system pressures, and helping residents thrive in their local communities.

CURRENT ADVOCACY FOCUS

Protecting access to quality, compassionate care close to home.

WHCA works with providers, policymakers, and communities to support a strong long-term care continuum.

ISSUES THAT MATTER

Policy priorities for a strong, person-centered long-term care system.

AGE 85+ Projected to quadruple by 2050 Roughly 9,600 additional adults over 85 every year through 2035

Preparing for a rapidly aging population

Washingtonians age 85+, the group most likely to require skilled nursing, will quadruple by 2050. That equates to roughly 9,600 additional adults over 85 every year through 2035.

Supporting critical investments in care

Establishing meaningful reimbursement models to support an equitable, sustainable long-term care continuum to ensure access and choice for people in Washington who need long-term care services.

Elevating careers of compassion

Supporting workforce development by expanding training, career pathways, and professional development opportunities for caregivers, nurses, and long-term care professionals who are the heart of the system.

Protecting access to care

Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens to allow providers to focus on their mission: providing high-quality, resident-centered care.

OUR MESSAGE TO POLICYMAKERS AND THE PUBLIC

Investing in and protecting long-term care means ensuring that seniors, families, and communities have access to quality, compassionate support outside the hospital — close to home. Together, we can sustain a system that honors dignity, independence, and community well-being.

STAY INFORMED AND GET INVOLVED

Fresh legislative updates, action alerts, and practical resources for members and advocates.

LATEST ADVOCACY UPDATE

Legislative updates, media coverage, and provider voices.

ACTION ALERT

Share your perspective through WHCA’s Action Center.

ADVOCACY RESOURCES

Talking points, issue briefs, and support materials.

TAKE ACTION

Legislation moves fast. Read the brief, meet with providers and constituents, and help secure durable policies that keep skilled nursing services strong across Washington.

01 | SEND A MESSAGE

Use WHCA’s Action Center to share your voice with policymakers.

02 | RALLY YOUR TEAM

Coordinate with colleagues and communicate with policymakers.

03 | MEET YOUR LEGISLATOR

Plan to meet with your legislator during session. Email Aidan Swayne for support.

MEET THE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM

Lauri St. Ours

Executive Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs

lauristours@whca.org

Aidan Swayne

Government Relations Coordinator

aidanswayne@whca.org