Assisted Living Summary Judgment Sought; September 11 Hearing Set

On August 3, WHCA’s legal counsel, Ballard Spahr, filed a motion for summary judgment in the lawsuit brought by WHCA and LeadingAge Washington against the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The lawsuit seeks to prevent DSHS from delaying the Medicaid rate rebase for assisted living providers that was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.

The legal challenge is based on Article II, Section 19 of the Washington Constitution, which prohibits appropriations bills from making substantive changes to state law. The 2026 operating budget amended RCW 74.39A.032(6) to delay the required Medicaid rate update for assisted living providers.

Read the declaration of WHCA CEO Carma Matti-Jackson in support of summary judgment.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for September 11 at 9:00 a.m. in Thurston County Superior Court. WHCA will continue to provide updates as the litigation proceeds.