2009 Legislative Session: Devastating cuts to healthcare

The 2009 state legislative session just concluded, leaving us with some huge challenges ahead but also some notable victories.

The Legislature made significant budget cuts over the next two years in healthcare, education and social services. Legislators voted down a tax increase, so cuts were inevitable and we fought to protect vital services as much as possible.

Healthcare cuts total over $1 billion, including major cuts in:

• Programs like the Basic Health Plan and Healthy Options, which serve low and moderate income people;
• Payments to hospitals for Medicaid patients and other low-income patients;
• Outpatient services for children and adults;
• Community mental health: millions in cuts (Medicaid and non-Medicaid and innovative programs)
• Chemical dependency treatment services: $15 million in cuts.
• Reduce 30 beds available at Western State Hospital by 2010.
• No cost of living increase (COLA) for state employees the next 2 years (this does not include HMC employees).
• Budget & program cuts in both DSHS & DOH.

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