The proposed bill establishes the Medicaid Access Program in Washington State, aimed at improving healthcare access for Medicaid enrollees. It introduces new chapters to Title 74 and Title 48 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which include definitions, assessments, and the creation of a dedicated Medicaid Access Program account. Health carriers and Medicaid managed care organizations will be required to pay an annual covered lives assessment, with rates specified for each organization type. The bill also mandates uniform increases in professional service rates based on Medicare rates, contingent on available funds, and includes provisions for studying the impact of these increases on Medicaid access. Legal protections are provided for the program and its entities against civil or criminal liability for good faith actions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding the treasury income account, specifying that no appropriation is required for payments to financial institutions, which will occur before the distribution of earnings. The state treasurer will distribute earnings monthly, with the general fund receiving all earnings except for specified accounts that will receive their proportionate share. The bill emphasizes the immediate necessity of its provisions for public health and safety, with an expiration clause if federal approval is not obtained by January 1, 2027, and specific sections set to expire on July 1, 2028. Furthermore, if necessary funding is not included in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025, the entire act will become null and void, ensuring fiscal responsibility in its implementation.