State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, has been recognized by the Washington Association for Community Health and the Community Health Network of Washington for his work to protect essential health care safety net programs during the 2025 legislative session.

In a letter sent to Muzzall, the two organizations, which represent Washington’s 28 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), thanked him for his efforts to safeguard Medicaid and other critical services in a challenging budget year.

“Your leadership helped prevent cuts that would have left patients without coverage and forced clinics to reduce services or staff,” the letter stated.

Muzzall worked to maintain funding for several vital programs, including the Medicaid pharmacy benefit, adult dental benefit, Apple Health expansion and services for individuals who are aged, blind or disabled. These programs serve medically underserved residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

The budget also included investments that expand access to care, including:

• Ongoing funding for 17 school-based health centers and $2.6 million in capital investments for five new centers.
• $5.5 million in capital funding for six community health center dental projects, expected to serve 21,000 new patients and support more than 74,000 appointments annually.
• A provision directing the state Health Care Authority to develop value-based payment models in Medicaid that reward quality outcomes and promote equitable, team-based care.

Joe Vessey, CEO of Community Health Center of Snohomish County, praised Muzzall’s efforts.

“Sen. Muzzall’s support of community health centers like Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Community Health Center of Snohomish County is vital to our ability to continue to serve our patients,” Vessey said. “We thank him for his hard work this legislative session to protect the health care safety net. Sen. Muzzall’s leadership on health care helps ensure that all Washingtonians can continue to access the care they need and deserve.”

Muzzall, the ranking Republican on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, said ensuring continued access to care is one of his top priorities.

“Community health centers are a cornerstone of health care in Washington,” Muzzall said. “I’m proud to support the safety net that serves families, children, seniors, and individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”