OLYMPIA — Governor Ferguson’s proposed budget would pull over $100 million in funding from our state's primary care safety net clinics by making a significant change to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a key source of funding they rely on to support otherwise uncompensated patient services. Community health centers and the nearly 1.3 million people they serve are already bracing for significant coverage losses caused by passage of H.R. 1 and other federal policy changes. As thestate’s uninsured rate is expected to increase by 5%, health centers will need to meet an increased demand for care with drastically reduced financial resources.
“These potential cuts are devastating for our health centers and patients. With accessibility to care being threatened, this is the last thing the state should be considering,” said Leanne Berge, CEO of the Community Health Network of Washington. “Washington state must stand up for our values and preserve access to health care for everyone.”
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