At its October 15, 2026 meeting, Washington’s Universal Health Care Commission advanced financing analysis while facing a threat to its survival: UHCC elimination appeared among the Health Care Authority’s (HCA’s) budget-reduction options, alongside cuts to Medicaid benefits and immigrant coverage. These were possibilities, not adopted cuts, underscoring the urgency of defending both healthcare access and the Commission’s work.
Public comments from HCFA-WA members emphasized single-payer administration rather than reliance on insurance carriers. Marcia Stedman recommended an administrative-services organization approach, citing the Uniform Medical Plan as an example, while Elaine Cox argued that single-payer would eliminate the need for many piecemeal legislative fixes. Several commissioners expressed a preference for a state-administered single-payer goal, however, no final model was adopted and a carrier-administered transition remained under consideration.
The commission refined the $250,000 economic-analysis appropriation and directed it toward cost-modeling frameworks, cost assumptions, and financing alternatives, including federal and nonfederal pathways. Results are expected in May 2027, with completion required by June 30. Financing workgroup discussions stressed that existing healthcare spending must count toward funding a universal system; total system costs should not be confused with new revenue requirements. Members requested a presentation on financing options from other states, with reference made to HCFA-WA member Cris Currie’s existing list of options in 20-plus states as a resource.
Commissioners also approved the annual legislative report, due November 1. See Appendix A of the Meeting Materials (pp. 87-117). Primary-care access legislation and a bill establishing UHCC timelines remained under development.
The Workplan of the Commission now indicates they expect to deliver their recommended plan to the Legislature by the end of 2028. In 2027, the Commission and the FTAC will each meet quarterly, instead of bimonthly, and receive reports from smaller work groups covering enrollment, infrastructure, and governance.
For HCFA-WA, the meeting points to immediate advocacy priorities: (1)protect UHCC funding, (2)keep single-payer universal healthcare as the destination, and (3)press for transparent analysis of existing spending, administrative savings, and financing options. Advocates can also reinforce the distinction between choosing an insurance plan and choosing a healthcare provider, a framing issue raised during public comment.
The Next FTAC Meeting is: Thursday, November 12th 2-4:30 p.m., Join on Teams
The Next UHCC meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10 – 2-5 pm - HCA or Join on Teams
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 to use OIC proviso funds for economic analysis focused on the entire single-payer universal healthcare system, rather than universal primary care, in their public comments.
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.
We urge our members to push to use OIC proviso funds for economic analysis focused on the entire single-payer universal healthcare system, rather than universal primary care, in their public comments.
Now Available, the Universal Health Care Commission 2025 Annual Report
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE UHCC?
Currently, there is still one open seat on the Commission, subject to appointment by the Governor. Candidates should have knowledge and experience regarding health care coverage, access, and financing, or other relevant expertise. Apply to Serve here