The Voice of Long-Term Care – WHCA Advocacy
Washington Health Care Association has a long and strong history of advocacy with federal and state government agencies, policymakers, and budget writers, and we have a passion for bringing our providers’ voices to critical policy and budget discussions. We work alongside our member leaders to develop policy and funding positions designed to ensure that Washington’s skilled nursing and assisted living providers are adequately resourced and responsibly regulated—and our members are key to that effort.
Washington’s Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Sectors: A Critical Moment — Join the Conversation
Our state’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities are more than buildings — they’re the backbone of long-term care for Washingtonians, a critical partner in our health care system, and a frontline employer in communities across the state. This legislative session, join us in asking the Legislature to continue their commitment to stable Medicaid funding to ensure seniors across Washington can get the care they need when they need it. This funding will stabilize care, invest in staff, protect access for the people who need it most and help plan for the dramatically growing needs of an aging population.
On the policy side, our work to elevate the challenges with workforce recruitment and retention as well as the challenges to maintain affordable long-term care for Washington’s moderate-income seniors is even more critical, as the cost of services and goods continues to grow.
Why this Session Matters
- Stable Medicaid funding and payment policies directly determine whether facilities can stay open and deliver safe, dignified care.
- Workforce shortages and recruiting challenges threaten the quality and continuity of services for seniors and people with disabilities.
- Skilled nursing and assisted living play a central role in managing hospital capacity, home-and-community care transitions, and overall system cost-effectiveness.
Our Ask to Lawmakers
- Maintain the rebase level of funding support that is strengthening care for older adults as Washington’s aging population reaches historic levels and continues to increase, and
- Eliminate regulatory and system barriers that hamper delivery of quality care by qualified workers.
What You’ll Find Here
- Resources – list materials (talking points, issues briefs, support materials.)
- News – long-term care media (legislative updates, clippings, provider voices.)
- Action Center – links to share your voice and protect seniors (electronic advocacy.)
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.
- Send a message through WHCA’s Action Center
- Rally your teams to communicate with policymakers
- Plan to meet with your legislator during session (email Aidan Swayne for support)