May FTAC: Continued Work on Provider Reimbursement and Possible Universal Primary Care Model
by John Sobeck, MD, HCFA-WA Vice President
This month’s Finance Technical Advisory Committee (FTAC) meeting focused on advancing Washington State’s universal health care discussion by refining provider reimbursement strategies, financing priorities, and implementation planning for a future universal system. Members emphasized balancing immediate reforms with the long-term goal of a unified financing and delivery structure that preserves universality while maintaining provider and hospital sustainability. Public comments strongly supported comprehensive coverage that includes dental, vision, behavioral health, and integrated primary care, while urging the committee to avoid fragmented “piecemeal” reforms and instead pursue a phased roadmap toward universal coverage.
Provider reimbursement and rural health sustainability were central themes throughout the discussion. Members debated reference-based pricing, fee-for-service, capitation, global budgeting, and hybrid reimbursement models, while expressing concern that inadequate reimbursement protections could destabilize rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and community clinics. The committee reviewed lessons from states such as Maryland, Vermont, and Connecticut, emphasizing the need to balance cost control, provider stability, and the principle of universality without creating excessive carve-outs or fragmented financing structures.
The meeting also focused heavily on the data and analytic infrastructure needed to support universal system planning. Members noted that the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) alone is insufficient for accurate forecasting and rate setting, and stressed the importance of integrating systems such as ProviderOne, Milliman modeling tools, eligibility databases, and quality measurement platforms. Significant discussion centered on how to use the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s $250,000 proviso funding, with most members favoring investment in complex system-design analysis, behavioral incentive modeling, and evaluation of expanded primary care spending rather than premature tax or financing proposals.
The meeting concluded with agreement on an iterative and collaborative path forward. FTAC plans to finalize provider reimbursement recommendations for the Universal Health Care Commission (UHCC), while developing technical appendices addressing rural health, reimbursement safeguards, and data infrastructure needs. Proposed next steps include specialized rural reimbursement workgroups, phased implementation strategies for universal primary care, and continued refinement of financing and reimbursement proposals through public feedback and commission review, with an ongoing emphasis on sustainability, rural access, and protecting vulnerable populations.
View the Meeting Materials
Watch the Meeting Video
Next Meetings:
UHCC : Thursday, June 18th, 2026, 2–5 p.m. - Details available here closer to the date.
FTAC: Thursday, July 16th, 2026, 2-4:30 p.m. - Details available here closer to the date
Comment to the FTAC
- Speak during the designated public comment time at FTAC meetings. Sign up to provide public comment by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting occurs.
- Submit written comments at any time. If you submit your comments less than two weeks before a meeting, we’ll include them in the following meeting’s materials.
Comment to the UHCC
- Speak during the designated public comment time at UHCC meetings. Sign up to provide public comment by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting occurs.
- Email [email protected] at any time. If you submit your comments less than two weeks before a meeting, they will be included in the following meeting’s materials.
We urge our members to push for a single payer plan in their public comments.
Now Available, the Universal Health Care Commission 2025 Annual Report
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