Bill > HB1476

This bill delays the rebasing (recalculation) of Medicaid nursing home payment rates from fiscal year 2027 to fiscal year 2028. The legislature recognizes the importance of maintaining financial stability for nursing home providers and ensuring quality care for Medicaid beneficiaries. Specifically, the bill temporarily freezes Medicaid nursing home reimbursement rates at fiscal year 2025 levels for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This means that the weighted average of direct care and indirect care components will remain consistent with the 2025 levels. The delayed rebasing will allow for a more comprehensive assessment of industry costs and prevent potential financial disruptions for both the state and nursing home providers. The bill acknowledges that periodic rebasing is typically required to reflect updated cost data, but in this case, the legislature has determined that postponing the rebase will help maintain budget predictability and support the long-term sustainability of nursing home services in Washington state.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1476&Year=2025&Initiative=false