The bill amends RCW 74.60.020 to increase the biennial funds contribution in lieu of state funds from the hospital safety net program. It establishes a dedicated fund within the state treasury known as the hospital safety net assessment fund, which is intended to receive and disburse funds for specified purposes. The bill outlines that disbursements from the fund are contingent upon appropriation and the availability of other funds to maintain payment levels to hospitals for Medicaid services. Notably, the bill increases the amount allocated for Medicaid hospital services from $452 million to $527 million for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, and further increases it to $552 million beginning July 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill specifies that $160 million per biennium will be appropriated by the legislature for post-acute hospital transitions. It also includes provisions for repaying the federal government for any excess payments made to hospitals if assessments are found non-compliant with federal regulations. The bill further details the allocation of funds for various programs, including integrated evidence-based psychiatry residency and family medicine residency programs at the University of Washington, with specified amounts for each. The effective date of the bill is contingent upon the enactment of another related law.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.60.020