2026 Legislative Agenda

The Coalition of ACHs advance strategies that build healthy, thriving communities and elevate community voice and equity in systems of care and services.

Executive Summary

The Coalition of ACHs advances legislative priorities which protect access to health and human service for people across Washington. Federal policy shifts, including implementation of H.R.1, combined with Washington state budget constraints, create significant risk of service disruption for individuals and families who rely on Medicaid, food assistance and other basic needs support.

The Coalition's top priority for the 2026 session is to work proactively so eligible people keep their benefits. This priority focuses on continuity of access, effective use of existing systems, and preserving progress made in whole-person health.

Legislative Priorities

Implementation of H.R.1 and other Federal Changes

The implementation of H.R.1, and other proposed changes to federally funded programs will result in major shifts in the health and human services safety net. CACH's top priority is to mitigate the impacts of those changes on clients and service providers by supporting smooth implementation of new federal requirements.

CACH supports:

Support statutory and budget language to ensure all Medicaid eligible individuals maintain access to Medicaid benefits and are supported through redetermination processes.
Support investments to maintain food benefits for individuals and families who rely on nutrition programs to maintain food security and other basic needs.

Continuity of State Programs Supporting People Accessing Medicaid and Basic Needs Programs

The state budget is under strain due to declining revenue, rising need for services and cost of services, and reduced federal funding.

CACH supports a stewardship of existing systems and continuity of care.

Using ACH infrastructure to support access to care coordination services and strengthen system efficiency.
Work with community partners and state agencies to maintain access to core services that support basic needs including housing stability, food security, access to whole-person health and similar.

If you have questions about the CACH 2026 legislative agenda, please contact Nichole Peppers, Coalition of ACH's executive director at nichole@coalitionofachs.org.