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Family Separation
Please read Dr. Rupin Thakkar’s statement on the policy of family separation: WCAAP Statement
WCAAP members have been at the forefront of opposing the policy of separating children and parents:
- Dr. Beth Dawson-Hahn’s editorial in the Seattle Times.
- Dr. Casey Lion’s editorial in the Everett Herald.
- Dr. Elizabeth Meade on Q13 FOX TV.
2019 Legislative Priorities
Our legislative priorities for the 2019 session include improving access to primary and specialty care for kids by increasing the Medicaid rate to parity with Medicare; increasing access to behavioral health care by increasing Medicaid reimbursement for behavioral health care to Medicare rates; and raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products to 21.
Refer to the issue briefs below for more information and talking points on our 2019 legislative priorities, or share them directly with your legislators. We also have a one-page overview of all of our 2019 priorities: 2019 Overview
Access to Care
Bring pediatric Medicaid reimbursement to parity with Medicare rates
In Washington 1 in every 2 children relies on Medicaid for health coverage, but the low rates paid by Medicaid for pediatric care make it increasingly difficult for providers to care for children. A two-year federal provision to bring Medicaid payment to Medicare levels ended in 2015. Washington state did not maintain the rate, and as a result Medicaid payment for pediatric care has fallen over 35%. In some regions, clinics are closing their doors to children on Medicaid. Bringing pediatric Medicaid rates to parity with Medicare will improve access to care for Washington children and result in better disease prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment, and fewer emergency room visits.
Download Medicaid Access Issue Brief
Improve access to appropriate behavioral health care for children
Behavioral health disorders affect up to 1 in 5 children in a given year, yet 80 percent of those children affected go without treatment. Early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment is critical to help ensure healthy development and prevent problems at home, at school and with peers throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Download Behavioral Health Access Brief
Keep Children Safe
Raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products to 21
In Washington State, 3900 kids under age 18 become new daily smokers each year; 104,000 kids now under 18 and living in Washington will eventually die of smoking-related disease. Raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 led to a decline in teen smoking from 13 percent to 6 percent in Needham, Mass. Increasing the age for legal sale of tobacco will help prevent life-long nicotine addiction for our youth.
Download Tobacco 21 Issue Brief
Raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products to 21
In Washington State, 3900 kids under age 18 become new daily smokers each year; 104,000 kids now under 18 and living in Washington will eventually die of smoking-related disease. Raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 led to a decline in teen smoking from 13 percent to 6 percent in Needham, Mass. Increasing the age for legal sale of tobacco will help prevent life-long nicotine addiction for our youth.
Download Tobacco 21 Issue Brief
Support and Partnership
We also support and partner with leading organizations: