Tag Archives: Medicaid

Opposing Medicaid cuts for postpartum care

As a legislator, a father of three daughters, and now a grandfather, I’ve always believed that how we support mothers and babies says a lot about who we are as a state. It’s why I’ve worked across the aisle to improve maternal health care and ensure new moms have the support they need, not just during pregnancy, but well after birth.

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about House Bill 2041. This bill would cut postpartum Medicaid coverage in half, from 12 months to just six. It’s a move that might save the state under $3 million a year, but the real cost would be measured in lives lost and families broken.

Here’s the reality: According to the Washington State Maternal Mortality Review Panel, nearly one-third of pregnancy-related deaths happen in that critical window after birth, the timeframe when this bill would eliminate coverage. These are not just numbers. These are preventable tragedies, often tied to mental health challenges like suicide and substance use, conditions that can emerge or worsen well after the six-month mark.

In 2021, we did the right thing by passing a bipartisan law I co-sponsored to extend postpartum coverage to a full year, Senate Bill 5068. The goal was simple: save lives and reduce disparities, especially for women in rural areas and communities of color. We knew then, and still know now, that 80% of maternal deaths in our state are preventable.

Rolling back that progress now, especially when 44 other states (many led by Republicans) have chosen to expand postpartum coverage, would make Washington an outlier in the worst way. And it would send a harmful message about our priorities.

This issue also shines a light on racial disparities. American Indian and Alaska Native women in Washington are over eight times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Many of these women rely on Medicaid. Cutting coverage could widen the very gaps we’ve been trying to close.

At the same time, legislation I introduced this year, Senate Bill 5075, which would have ensured comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care with no out-of-pocket costs, was blocked from moving forward by the Democratic majority.

We can’t say we care about equity, maternal health, and families while cutting support for moms during their most vulnerable time.

I’m calling on my colleagues, especially those who have championed maternal health in the past, to stand strong now. Reject HB 2041. Let’s keep our commitment to mothers and babies in Washington.

Sincerely,

Signature

Senator Ron Muzzall
10th Legislative District

Sen. Muzzall’s bills to improve health care access, quality pass state Senate

Two bills sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, to improve health care access and quality in Washington have passed the state Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. Senate Bill 5124 and Senate Bill 5672 aim to address critical gaps in the state’s health care system, ensuring residents receive timely, high-quality care while supporting the professionals who provide it.

Senate Bill 5124 seeks to improve access to post-acute care services for Medicaid enrollees by requiring the Health Care Authority to establish and enforce network adequacy standards for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. These standards aim to ensure that Medicaid managed care organizations provide timely and sufficient access to post-acute care services for patients recovering from acute illness, injury, or surgery.

“Patients who need post-acute care should not face unnecessary delays or barriers,” Muzzall said. “This bill ensures that Medicaid enrollees can access rehabilitation and skilled nursing care without excessive wait times, helping them recover faster and more effectively.”

Senate Bill 5672 aims to address workforce challenges in Washington’s long-term care sector by modifying certification requirements for home care aides. The bill grants additional time for long-term care workers to complete their certification while the State Auditor’s Office conducts a performance audit of training requirements and competency assessments. By preventing unnecessary turnover caused by certification delays, SB 5672 seeks to improve workforce stability and ensure continued care for Washington’s aging and disabled populations.

“If we don’t take care of our health care workforce, we won’t be able to take care of our patients,” Muzzall explained. “This proposal cuts red tape and ensures Washington remains an attractive place for medical professionals to work and serve.”

Both bills reflect Muzzall’s commitment to strengthening Washington’s health care system by addressing affordability and quality. By ensuring timely access to post-acute care and reducing workforce barriers, these measures work in tandem to create a more sustainable and effective health care system for all residents.

With Senate approval, SB 5124 and SB 5672 now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.