Bill > SB5344

This bill establishes an essential worker health care program specifically targeting nursing home workers in Washington state. The legislature recognizes a workforce crisis among nursing home workers, who are predominantly older women, women of color, and immigrants, and who often live at or near poverty levels. The bill aims to address this crisis by offering increased funding to nursing home operators who commit to providing high-quality, affordable health care to their employees through a new program. To participate, nursing home employers must operate at least one Medicaid-participating nursing home in Washington and enter into an agreement with the state department to join a qualified health fund certified by the insurance commissioner. The program will distribute supplemental payments to participating employers based on their Medicaid bed days, with the expectation that these funds will be used to significantly improve employee health care benefits. Employers must maintain their existing health care spending levels and provide documentation about their healthcare expenditures and employee retention. The bill also establishes strict oversight mechanisms, including annual certifications, potential enforcement actions, and a recoupment process for funds if employers fail to comply with program requirements. The implementation of the program is contingent upon receiving federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5344&Year=2025&Initiative=false