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In 2026 I introduced a suite of health care bills serving as a transition between our current care and payment system and the Washington health plan (universal healthcare). These bills were developed with the input and support of multiple stakeholders who are collectively fighting for universal healthcare, including Healthcare Is A Human Right, Healthcare For All Washington, Whole Washington, labor organizations, community clinics, healthcare professionals, and other community-based organizations.

SB 5946 — Expanding the income eligibility for the medical assistance program

  • By July 1, 2027
  • Allows those falling within 300% of the federal poverty level (adjusted for family size) to be eligible for the medical assistance program

SJR 8206 — Amending the Constitution to establish a right to affordable health care

  • In the next election, voters would need to vote to ratify or reject the amendment to the Washington state Constitution affirming the right to affordable health care
  • Obligation of the state to ensure every resident of Washington can access cost-effective, clinically appropriate, and affordable health care as a fundamental right
  • Must be in balance with other state obligations
  • Includes provision for awareness campaign

SB 5947 — Establishing the Washington health care board

  • Washington health care board would:
    • Design and implement Washington health plan, which would provide for medically necessary health care needs of all Washington residents
    • Plan is not implemented until the state has a waiver for a state-based universal health care program (SJM 8004; passed last year and filed with Secretary of State April 21, 2025)
    • Submit waivers needed for federal approval and funding
    • Conduct or contract necessary economic analysis to support plan
    • Hire staff
    • Set a detailed implementation plan
    • Make recommendations to the Legislature to implement the plan
      • Requirements for benefits, eligibility, provider participation payments, financing
    • Administer plan once implemented/approved
    • Conduct necessary activities
  • Includes employer, physician, nurse, mental health care, dentists, naturopathic, facility, finance, pharmaceutical, economic, tribal, labor, and state representation.
  • Takes effect upon enaction of federal legislation that permits plan and provides funding

SB 5948 — Establishing deadlines for the universal health care commission

  • Includes legislative, Department of Health, Health Care Authority, Benefit Exchange, Office of Equity, consumer, and tribal representation.
  • Health Care Authority staffs the commission
  • Members serve without compensation, but can be reimbursed for relevant expenses
  • Submit a report containing:
    • Synthesis of analyses on Washington’s existing health care finance and delivery system (cost, quality, workforce, provider consolidation trends) and how it impacts consumers
    • Strategy for developing changes to the health care financing and delivery system to increase access to care and coverage, reduce costs and disparities, improve quality, and prepare for the transition to a unified health care system

SB 5955 — Concerning the Medicaid derivatization act.

  • Eliminates managed care contractors in Washington state and shifts Medicaid payments for health care services to the state, which will pay providers directly on a pay-for-fee basis, and care coordination will be funded separately
  • Streamlines the Medicaid process in Washington by eliminating redundant middlemen