The Health Care Authority (HCA) Apple Health (Medicaid) released a new provider fact sheet with information about language access.
Also in Washington, the 2025-27 Operating Budget directed the Health Care Authority (HCA) to reduce Apple Health (Medicaid) managed care organization (MCO) rates by 1 percent, or approximately $90 million, for calendar year 2026. HCA is implementing several specific reductions that combined will result in $90 million in reduced expenditures. HCA summarized the changes which take effect January 1, 2026.
Also in Washington, HCA posted information about language access and interpreter services:
Also in Washington, the Washington Health Care Privacy Toolkit was updated.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) launched a Naloxone Pilot Program for a one-time distribution of naloxone to behavioral health agencies (BHAs) in the state. This pilot is the result of efforts to expand access to opioid reversal medication and listening to feedback from community partners, which showed that BHAs have a high need for upfront funding to purchase the initial stock of naloxone before they can begin a "stock and replenish" model.
Finally in Washington, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) published its August newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.