{"id":3211,"date":"2026-05-24T21:30:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T04:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/?p=3211"},"modified":"2026-05-24T21:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T04:34:55","slug":"protecting-access-to-health-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting access to health care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear friends and neighbors,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the things I hear often from people across our district is how important it is to be able to access health care when you need it, without confusion,\u00a0delays\u00a0or unnecessary barriers. Whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a routine vaccine, a cancer screening, reproductive health care or support during a serious illness, access to health care matters deeply.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3212\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/Untitled-design-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/Untitled-design-2.png 650w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/Untitled-design-2-300x216.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This past legislative session, that work was especially important. As federal decisions continue to create uncertainty for patients and providers, Washington state has a responsibility to stand up for safe, affordable, science-based care.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0proud that we took meaningful steps to protect access to essential services and make the health care system\u00a0more transparent and fair\u00a0for the people who rely on it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are a few of the bills we passed this year:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Protecting access to reproductive health care<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/billsummary\/?BillNumber=5917&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5917<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">expands access to mifepristone, a medication used in abortion care as well as miscarriage management. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack in\u00a0many parts of the country, this bill helps make sure Washington patients can continue to access safe, legal, evidence-based care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=6182&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 6182<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0creates a more stable funding pathway for reproductive health clinics, including providers like Planned Parenthood. This will help patients continue to receive affordable, essential reproductive health care here in Washington.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Protecting science-based health care<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">HB 2242<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps ensure Washingtonians can continue accessing affordable preventive services, including vaccines, well-child visits, cancer\u00a0screenings\u00a0and chronic disease management. It also moves vaccine coverage recommendations to the Washington State Department of Health so decisions about covered vaccines are guided by science and evidence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Protecting access for vulnerable people<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5981&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5981<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0protects the 340B program by preventing drug companies from placing certain restrictions on contract pharmacies. This helps hospitals and clinics stretch limited resources so they can keep serving vulnerable members of their communities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=6183&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 6183<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0removes unnecessary insurance barriers for HIV prevention and treatment medications by ensuring they are available without prior authorization or requirements to try other medications first. That means people can get care earlier, which supports both individual health and efforts to prevent transmission.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=2152&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">HB 2152<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ensures that qualifying patients with terminal conditions can use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing\u00a0homes\u00a0and hospice care settings. For patients, this can mean better pain management, fewer side effects and more comfort and dignity during an incredibly\u00a0difficult time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Making the health care marketplace fairer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=2548&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">HB 2548<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps protect patients from rising costs connected to hospital mergers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5395<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0protects patients and providers from unfair prior authorization practices. The bill prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization requests, requires clearer notices when prior authorization rules change and prevents unfair retroactive denials.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=2155&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">HB 2155<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0improves transparency for patients by making sure chatbots and other online tools cannot use the title \u201cnurse\u201d if they are not licensed medical\u00a0professionals. As AI becomes more common in health care, patients deserve to know whether they are receiving information from a real, licensed provider.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/BillSummary\/?BillNumber=5845+&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">SB 5845<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helps ensure health care providers are paid fairly and on time so they can keep up with expenses and continue serving patients without facing unfair delays.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taken together, these bills are about making health care more reliable, more\u00a0transparent\u00a0and more centered on patients. They are also about making sure Washington continues to lead with science,\u00a0compassion\u00a0and common sense.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Staying connected in the 5th District<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During the interim,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been grateful for the chance to spend more time out in the community \u2014 listening,\u00a0learning\u00a0and connecting with neighbors, local leaders,\u00a0advocates\u00a0and families across our district.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Recently, I joined community members at Lake Sammamish State Park for a Food Allergy Awareness Week event. It was a meaningful gathering focused on education, connection and building a safer, more inclusive community for children and families living with food allergies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3213\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1149.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1149.jpg 650w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1149-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019m\u00a0always moved by events like this because they show what community looks like at its best: people coming together around love, lived experience and a shared commitment to helping others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I also had the opportunity to connect with community members and conservation advocates through the Mountains to\u00a0Sound Greenway Trust spring\u00a0gathering. The Greenway\u2019s work is such an important part of life in our region \u2014 from trails and outdoor recreation to salmon habitat, forest restoration, youth\u00a0education\u00a0and long-term conservation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3214\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1276.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1276.jpg 650w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/IMG_1276-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here in the 5th District, we are lucky to live near incredible natural spaces. Protecting those places, expanding access to the\u00a0outdoors\u00a0and investing in environmental stewardship are all part of building a healthier future for our communities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thank you<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As always, thank you for taking the time to stay engaged. Whether you contact my office, attend a community event, share your story, or simply follow along with the work, your voice matters.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u202fcan email me at\u202f<\/span><a href=\"mailto:victoria.hunt@leg.wa.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">victoria.hunt@leg.wa.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202for call me at\u202f360-786-7608.\u202f\u202fYou\u202fcan also stay informed about my work by visiting my\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202for following me on my official\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/senator_victoriahunt\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fand\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorVictoriaHunt\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fpages for regular updates.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is an honor to serve the 5th Legislative District.\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0keep working to protect access to care, support families, strengthen our communities and make sure state government is focused on the needs of the people we serve.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Warmly,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3158\" src=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/01\/SIG.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"164\" height=\"36\" srcset=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/01\/SIG.png 360w, https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/01\/SIG-300x66.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sen. Victoria Hunt<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear friends and neighbors,\u00a0 One of the things I hear often from people across our district is how important it is to be able to access health care when you need it, without confusion,\u00a0delays\u00a0or unnecessary barriers. Whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a routine vaccine, a cancer screening, reproductive health care or support during a serious illness, access to health care matters deeply.\u00a0 This past legislative session, that work was especially important. As federal decisions continue to create uncertainty for patients and providers, Washington state has a responsibility to stand up for safe, affordable, science-based care.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0proud that we took meaningful steps to protect access to essential&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":3216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear friends and neighbors,\u00a0 One of the things I hear often from people across our district is how important it is to be able to access health care when you need it, without confusion,\u00a0delays\u00a0or unnecessary barriers. Whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a routine vaccine, a cancer screening, reproductive health care or support during a serious illness, access to health care matters deeply.\u00a0 This past legislative session, that work was especially important. As federal decisions continue to create uncertainty for patients and providers, Washington state has a responsibility to stand up for safe, affordable, science-based care.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0proud that we took meaningful steps to protect access to essential...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sen. Victoria Hunt\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-25T04:30:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-25T04:34:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"clamas\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"clamas\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/\",\"name\":\"Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-25T04:30:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-25T04:34:55+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/223b313787e6da834a1d3c7be2d7bfd7\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"The Washington State Senate convenes for floor session - February 11, 2026\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Protecting access to health care\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/\",\"name\":\"Sen. Victoria Hunt\",\"description\":\"Putting People First\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/223b313787e6da834a1d3c7be2d7bfd7\",\"name\":\"clamas\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7f45783555e6634ed3b48bf4d3cd715fce5534a3ffa4be3c2a3a10707653757?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7f45783555e6634ed3b48bf4d3cd715fce5534a3ffa4be3c2a3a10707653757?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"clamas\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/author\/clamas\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt","og_description":"Dear friends and neighbors,\u00a0 One of the things I hear often from people across our district is how important it is to be able to access health care when you need it, without confusion,\u00a0delays\u00a0or unnecessary barriers. Whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a routine vaccine, a cancer screening, reproductive health care or support during a serious illness, access to health care matters deeply.\u00a0 This past legislative session, that work was especially important. As federal decisions continue to create uncertainty for patients and providers, Washington state has a responsibility to stand up for safe, affordable, science-based care.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0proud that we took meaningful steps to protect access to essential...","og_url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/","og_site_name":"Sen. Victoria Hunt","article_published_time":"2026-05-25T04:30:04+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-25T04:34:55+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"clamas","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"clamas","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/","url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/","name":"Protecting access to health care - Sen. Victoria Hunt","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-05-25T04:30:04+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-25T04:34:55+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/223b313787e6da834a1d3c7be2d7bfd7"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"The Washington State Senate convenes for floor session - February 11, 2026"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/2026\/05\/24\/protecting-access-to-health-care\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Protecting access to health care"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#website","url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/","name":"Sen. Victoria Hunt","description":"Putting People First","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/223b313787e6da834a1d3c7be2d7bfd7","name":"clamas","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7f45783555e6634ed3b48bf4d3cd715fce5534a3ffa4be3c2a3a10707653757?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7f45783555e6634ed3b48bf4d3cd715fce5534a3ffa4be3c2a3a10707653757?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"clamas"},"url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/author\/clamas\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/05\/20260211_132750cc-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3211"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3215,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3211\/revisions\/3215"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/hunt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}