Across Washington State, the healthcare landscape is facing a period of profound uncertainty. Imminent federal funding cuts, mounting pressure on Medicaid, and growing demand for care are converging at a moment when many providers and communities are already stretched thin. For those working to ensure equitable access to health care, the question is no longer if systems will be impacted—but how, and who will bear the greatest burden.
In response to this shifting environment, Project Access Northwest convened two Health Service Roundtables, bringing together more than 30 leaders from across Washington State and the Northwest region. Healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, and system partners gathered to share perspectives, surface common challenges, and begin shaping collective solutions.
Participants represented diverse sectors, including care delivery, financial services, local and elected government, data security, and community-based organizations. Over two hours of focused discussion, the group explored how looming budget reductions could affect access to care, program sustainability, and health equity—particularly for underserved and rural communities.
Several priorities emerged clearly. Access to care was the most frequently cited concern, with participants emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining and expanding services as resources decline. Closely linked was funding and sustainability, as potential Medicaid cuts raised alarms about the loss of coverage and vital programs for Washington residents, including individuals regardless of immigration status.
Data privacy and infrastructure also surfaced as a pressing issue. As health systems increasingly rely on shared digital tools, safeguarding patient information remains essential—especially amid constrained funding and growing cybersecurity risks.
Despite the challenges, the Roundtable remained firmly solution-oriented. By the end of the session, participants aligned around a shared goal: ensuring no loss of Medicaid enrollees in Washington State as a result of federal or state budget cuts. This “North Star” offers a unifying framework for collaboration and advocacy across sectors.
Early strategies identified included developing clear metrics to define success, creating streamlined and secure data-sharing infrastructure, and producing practical toolkits for providers, consumers, and health systems. Participants also emphasized the importance of coordinated messaging, innovative funding approaches, and deep community engagement.
Project Access Northwest is building on this momentum by strengthening partnerships and convening additional discussions focused on action. In a time of uncertainty, one message rang clear: together, we are stronger advocates for community health—and better equipped to protect access to care for all Washingtonians.