Healthcare (Long-Term Care)

SB 5407 delays the annual recalibration (rebasement) of nursing home payment rates under Washington's capital component system from 2023 to 2028. This bill directly affects nursing homes receiving state Medicaid payments in Washington, as it postpones the update to their facility-based payment rates. The key mechanism is amending the law to require a single rebasing in 2028 instead of annual adjustments, maintaining current payment rates for the capital component until that date. This change applies specifically to the capital component of the payment system, which calculates rates based on facility age, square footage, and rental values.

HB 1476 delays the scheduled rebasing of Medicaid nursing home payment rates from fiscal year 2027 to 2028. This freezes current reimbursement rates at 2025 levels for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects nursing home providers (who receive Medicaid payments) and Medicaid beneficiaries (who rely on these facilities for care). The key mechanism is postponing the required rate adjustment to maintain financial stability for providers and prevent disruptions in care quality during the freeze period.

HB 1578 repeals Washington State's long-term care services and supports trust program, removing specific exemptions that previously allowed certain family caregivers to avoid mandatory training requirements. The bill eliminates provisions that exempted caregivers such as spouses/partners providing care under the trust program, parents caring for children with disabilities, or family members providing limited care (under 20 hours/month or 300 hours/year). This change means these caregivers will now be subject to the same standard training requirements as other long-term care workers under RCW 74.39A.076, including 14-35 hours of approved training within 120 days of starting. The repeal applies to all affected caregivers, ending the special rules established by the repealed trust program.