The Washington State Health Care Authority provided additional detail on health care investments and rate increases authorized by the legislature in the state’s 2021-2023 operating budget. The nature and timing of funding varies by initiative and certain details are yet to be determined, especially initiatives involving new federal funding. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Highlights:
Behavioral health investments including $55 million to provide a 2 percent increase for behavioral health managed care organizations, as well as $17.5 million to provide a 15 percent increase for certain behavioral health services paid on Medicaid fee schedule. The fee schedule increase is effective October 1.
$124 million to provide a 15 percent increase for adult primary care and a 21 percent increase for pediatric primary care, also effective October 1. The primary care provider types and codes will mirror the criteria for the temporary primary care increase under the Affordable Care Act.
WSHA’s previous detail summary of the state operating budget and link to the budget detail is here. (Andrew Busz, AndrewB@wsha.org)
