ADVOCACY / 2026 SESSION
2026 Legislative Session
Protecting the funding that sustains skilled nursing and assisted living care across Washington.
SESSION OVERVIEW
A pivotal budget decision for long-term care
The 2026 legislative session will determine state spending priorities for FY 2027, covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. This short, 60-day session was scheduled to adjourn March 12, 2026.
Lawmakers are confronting significant revenue, tax, and fiscal pressures. WHCA is urging the Legislature to take a clear stand on Medicaid funding for skilled nursing and assisted living.
At a glance
60 days
Legislative session
FY 2027
State budget priorities
March 12, 2026
Scheduled adjournment
WHCA POSITION ON THE STATE SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING BUDGET
Maintain and protect Medicaid funding for skilled nursing and assisted living.
WHCA opposes the proposed clawback of funding adopted in the 2025–27 state operating budget. Providers need rates that reflect current costs and support the care Washington residents rely on.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Outdated rates put care and the workforce at risk
The Governor’s proposal could leave providers operating under Medicaid rates based on 2022 cost data until FY 2028. That fails to account for inflation, rising operating costs, and bargained-for wage increases.
Failing to update rates creates an unsustainable financial reality, especially for skilled nursing facilities caring for people with complex medical needs and helping patients transition from hospitals.
$150 million
in Medicaid funding at risk
$75 million
in federal matching funds at risk
THE IMPACT ON CARE
The facts are clear for WHCA and its members
Medicaid funding sustains the workforce and care infrastructure Washington families rely on.
Up to $13/hour
Medicaid underfunds registered nurse and frontline caregiver wages in the long-term care sector.
$5.80/hour below actual NAC wages
Rates use 2022 wage data and are about $1.47 per hour below Seattle’s minimum wage.
Nearly 50,000 hospital transfers
Skilled nursing facilities accept nearly 50,000 hospital transfers each year, supporting capacity and continuity of care.
About 8,000 residents
Assisted living providers prevent homelessness for approximately 8,000 Medicaid-supported residents statewide.
Washington’s population age 85 and older is projected to quadruple in the coming years. Demand for skilled nursing and assisted living is growing, while providers face rising costs and staffing pressure.
Where will Washington’s families turn for care?
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Your voice helps shape policy
Ongoing advocacy is vital as WHCA works to advance rate rebases, long-term care parity across the continuum, and solutions to workforce disruptions. Your lived experience helps inform policy decisions.
Join advocacy training and use the Action Center for electronic letter campaigns.
WHCA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONTACTS
Carma Matti-Jackson
CEO & President
Lauri St. Ours
Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Communications
Aidan Swayne
Government Relations Coordinator