Bill > HB1523

This bill establishes the essential worker health care program to address workforce challenges in Washington's nursing homes by providing high-quality, affordable health coverage for nursing home workers. The program will offer supplemental payments to nursing home employers who commit to participating in a qualified health fund that provides comprehensive health benefits to their employees. To be eligible, employers must operate at least one Medicaid-participating nursing home in Washington and meet several requirements, including allocating most of the received funds to a certified health fund, maintaining their current level of health care spending, and providing detailed information about their employee health care benefits. The program aims to reduce staff turnover, stabilize the workforce, and improve the quality of nursing home care, with a particular focus on supporting older women, women of color, and immigrant workers who are often paid low wages. The implementation is contingent upon receiving approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with a planned submission of the state plan amendment by July 1, 2025, and a potential delay if federal approval is not received by July 1, 2026. The bill includes robust oversight mechanisms, such as annual certifications, potential enforcement actions, and a recoupment process for funds if employers fail to comply with the program's requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1523&Year=2025&Initiative=false