Take Action:

Attend your local board meetings (listed below) and ask good questions. 

1. Implementation of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program

Washington was recently awarded approximately $181 million for Year 1 of this federal/state initiative.

Question: "How is our district planning to utilize the Year 1 RHT funds to address local provider shortages, and what specific benchmarks will the board use to measure the success of these investments?"

Context: These funds are specifically earmarked for workforce development, behavioral health expansion, and technology/EHR infrastructure.

2. Financial Impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) has been vocal about the potential "disastrous" impact of this legislation on Medicaid payments.

Question: "What is the projected impact of the Medicaid payment cuts in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' on our hospital's operating margin, and are there specific services (such as maternity or chemotherapy) that may be at risk of reduction?"

3. EMS & Inter-Facility Transport (HB 2110)

Rural hospitals rely heavily on EMS for transfers when a patient's complexity exceeds local capacity.

Question: "With the current staffing challenges facing rural EMS, what steps is the board taking to ensure we have reliable inter-facility transport for our most critical patients?"

Context: WSHA is currently supporting HB 2110 to provide more staffing flexibility for these transports.

4. Behavioral Health & Pharmacy Deserts

Eastern Washington continues to face significant gaps in these areas.

Question: "Given that 89% of rural census tracts are now designated as behavioral health shortage areas, does the board have a strategy for integrating mobile crisis support or telehealth into our primary care model?"

Meeting Times and Locations

    • Frequency: Monthly

    • Next Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (based on the recurring last-Wednesday schedule)

    • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: 903 S. Adams St., Ritzville, WA 99169

    • Facility: Ferry County Memorial Hospital

    • Frequency: 4th Tuesday of every month

    • Next Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

    • Time: 10:30 AM

    • Location: HUB Conference Room, 36 Klondike Rd., Republic, WA 99166 (Virtual Zoom option typically available via their website)

    • Facility: Dayton General Hospital

    • Frequency: 4th Wednesday of every month

    • Next Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

    • Time: 9:00 AM

    • Location: Touchet River Conference Room, 1012 S. 3rd St., Dayton, WA 99328 (Hybrid option via MS Teams)

    • Frequency:  4th Thursday of every month

    • Next Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

    • Time: 5:30 PM

    • Location: Odessa Memorial Hospital, 502 E Amende Dr, WA 99159 in the Guild Room

    • Facility: Garfield County Hospital

    • Frequency: 1st Monday of every month

    • Next Date: Monday, March 2, 2026

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Senior Center, 695 Main Street, Pomeroy, WA 99347

Navigating Changes to Long-Term Care

The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” includes major reductions to federal support for long-term care. Here's what’s at risk:

  • Fewer beds and longer waitlists

  • Reduced services and staff shortages at local facilities

  • Closures of smaller care homes in surrounding counties

  • Increased reliance on private-pay models, leaving many families behind

What You Can Do—Starting Today

  • Talk with your loved ones about care preferences, finances, and legal documents. Ask:

    • Where would they want to go if care is needed?

    • Have they saved enough?

    • Do they qualify for Medicaid?

    • Is there a power of attorney or advance directive in place?

    • Consult a local elder law attorney—many offer free or sliding-scale consultations

    • Explore long-term care insurance options

    • Understand Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies

    • Identify which Spokane-area facilities still accept Medicaid

    • Ask about waitlists and closure risks

    • Tour locations and talk to staff

    • Some facilities offer faster admission if you can pay privately for the first year

    • Ask about hybrid models or phased payment plans

    • Build a care network of family, friends, and neighbors

    • Explore Spokane’s home care services, respite programs, and caregiver support groups

    • Check with Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) for regional resources

Getting Priced Out of Health Insurance?

There may be hope!

Washington law requires hospitals to offer some charity/discounted care based on income. Washington State and local Palouse area organizations offer some resources help to guide you through options and/or accessing care, if your health insurance has become unaffordable.

WHAT TO SAY

“I live in rural eastern Washington and I’m being priced out of my health insurance.  My coverage is no longer affordable, and I need help understanding all my options.”

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK

  • “Do I qualify for Apple Health based on my income?”

  • “Do I qualify for a special enrollment period?”

  • “What is the lowest cost plan if I anticipate needing care and prescriptions?”“Are there local programs in my community that can help if I become uninsured?”

  • 1 (855) 923-4633 (1-855-WAFINDER)

  • 1 (800) 562-3022

  • 1 (844) 461-4436

  • 835 SE Bishop Blvd, Pullman

    (509)32-2541

  • 1200 W. Fairview St., Colfax

    (509)397-3435

  • 1205 SE Professional Mall Blvd #203, Pullman

    (509) 332-6752

  • 340 NE Maple St, Pullman

    (509) 334-1133

  • 350 SE Fairmont Dr #1, Pullman

    (509) 334-9147

  • 226 E. Main St., Pullman

    (509)715-1111

State & Local Resources for HELP

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

CALL: 988