Grassroots Update: WHCA is Heading to Congressional Briefing

Next week, WHCA’s own Lauri St. Ours and Aidan Swayne head to Washington D.C. to attend AHCA’s Congressional Briefing. This two-day event brings together national affiliates to network and learn about federal issues and politics impacting long-term care today. WHCA will be accompanying our attending members representing the various communities, residents, and workforces they care for. Whilst there, the group will meet with Washington’s ten Congressional Representatives and two Senators.

We are pleased to be advocating alongside Moncia Chopra, Cascadia Senior Living; Amanda Mullins, Ensign; Ami Mendez, Avista Senior Living; Khadija Sheikh, PACS; and Logan Pratt, Caring Places Management. This group of industry veterans will give key operational, clinical, and historical context to federal legislation we are championing.

Understanding how federal policy and funding impact state operations is critical to how we affect change and plan for the future. For example, federal funding accounts for roughly 50% of the Medicaid dollars we see for skilled nursing and assisted living. This federal match is essential in proving and expanding access to long-term care for low and middle-income Washingtonians. In other areas, federal changes to immigration impact the robust and healthy workforce Washington must have to meet growing demand for services. Federal policies are part of a healthy long-term care ecosystem in Washington, regardless of how distant they may seem.

If you’re interested in learning more about Congressional Briefing or federal policies, reach out to Aidan Swayne. Keep a close eye on WHCA’s social media pages for pictures and stories from The Hill.