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WA HB2488

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Joe Schmick

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Medicaid payments for services provided by rural emergency hospitals (designated by federal CMS) would be subject to legislative appropriation rather than automatic funding
  • Applies to medical assistance program recipients regardless of their managed care enrollment status
  • Amends RCW 74.09.5225, which governs Medicaid payment methodologies for rural hospitals including critical access hospitals and sole community hospitals
  • Adds a new subsection (4) specifically addressing rural emergency hospital payment requirements
  • Maintains existing payment structures for critical access hospitals (cost-based reimbursement) and qualifying sole community hospitals (125% of fee-for-service rates)

Legislative Description

Making payments for services provided by a rural emergency hospital subject to appropriation.

Last Action

First reading, referred to Appropriations.

1/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Appropriations1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available