Legislative Update June 2015 WCOMO

State Budget Timeline Jan 12 Legislative session begins – 105 days long Feb 19 Revenue Forecast May 18 Revenue Forecast Budget Proposals Late March April 26 Regular Session Ends Government Shutdown May - June June 31 Special Sessions

2015 – 2017 Budget

House vs. Senate House: Spending Level: $38.5 B Includes New Revenue Senate: Spending Level: $37.9 B Transfers, Cuts, Marijuana Revenue

WA Tax Structure

Budget and Bill Highlights Medicaid Equity: Bright Futures Workforce Shortage: Expand State Loan Repayment Program Protect Safety Net Programs Exchange SustainabilitySingle Point of Entry

Proposal to Expand State Loan Repayment Program Requesting $7.8M to restore the program back to pre-2011 levels Included in both the House and Senate budgets Coalition of supporters, including medical, dental, nurses and hospital associations

Protect Safety Net Programs Untouched at this point Could face cuts in negotiations Still very important to prevent cuts to Medicaid and other important health care programs

Bright Futures Bringing more equity to Medicaid Coverage SB 5317 requires Medicaid to cover all recommended developmental and autism screenings Signed by Gov. Inslee on June 10 th Still need to secure funding

Exchange Funding Different funding levels proposed in House vs. Senate budget Advocates working to –Maintain Stability –Ensure strong consumer support –Minimize financial impact on consumers by maintaining the premium tax allocation for the Exchange

Single Point of Entry Allowing CSOs to have access to Healthplanfinder Included in both House and Senate budgets Developing procedures for how this will be implemented

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Carrie Glover WithinReach Katie Hewitt Community Health Network of WA