Medicare/Medicaid

2026 Supplemental Budget Fails to Hit the Mark on Medicaid Funding

 AL   SNF  | The final iteration of the 2026 state supplemental budget was released this morning. We are providing a preliminary review today; look for a detailed update in a special final edition of Capitol Update on Friday, March 13.  Read More

Federal Government Shuts Down

 AL   SNF  | The federal government shut down should have minimal impact on long-term care, as Medicare and Medicaid are mandatory programs that continue even during a lapse of appropriations. However, there may be slight delays in payments, waiver approvals, and technical assistance. Read More

Impacts of Federal Tax and Spending Law on LTC

 AL   SNF  | While the new federal tax and spending bill includes significant impacts to Medicaid benefit programs, Medicaid funding for skilled nursing facilities and assisted living are not directly impacted and will continue to be funded at the same federally matched percentage they are today. Read More

Grassroots Update: Bring Down the House This Saturday

HB 1476 would freeze SNF rates at 2022 costs until 2028. We need to mount powerful testimony and other engagement in opposition to this dangerous legislation. Read More

Breaking: Trump Administration Rescinds Pause of Federal Assistance Programs

Yesterday, a federal judge issued a temporary to block the pause on all federal financial assistance programs that may be impacted by the President’s new executive orders. Read More

Have a Heart for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Join your colleagues in Olympia on February 14 for the Have a Heart rally. Spread the word and build support for increased Medicaid funding for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Washington. Read More

Grassroots Update: Starting Session Right

Monday, January 8, marked the start of the 60-day 2024 legislative session, and WHCA members came out swinging. Read More

CMS Updates MDS Manual to Correct Errors

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted errata updates to the Minimum Data Set Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) Manual, version 1.18.11 on the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual page effective October 1, 2023. Read More

CMS Staffing Minimum Congressional Hearing

On Wednesday, October 25 at 11am PDT, the Health Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee is holding a hearing on CMS’ proposed staffing minimums in skilled nursing. Read More