Our 2026 legislative agenda is now available. This document reflects our top priorities for the 2026 session to advance health equity and improve health. We will also weigh in on bills that impact child, adolescent, and family health and well-being as they are introduced as “support items.”
Vaccines: Protecting Children, Preserving Public Health
Like never before, vaccines are at the crossroads of politics and policy. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been dismissed and replaced; meanwhile, vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, are on the rise — reaching their highest levels in over 30 years. In Washington state, families benefit from a Universal Vaccine Purchase system, allowing providers to receive vaccines at no cost via funds collected from payors by the Washington Vaccine Association (WVA). This system ensures broad, equitable access to childhood vaccines. Current state law ties vaccine purchases to ACIP recommendations. With the increasing politization of the CDC, Washington State needs flexibility to base decisions on additional trusted medical sources.
Solution
WCAAP supports legislation in the 2026 legislative session to decouple state vaccine purchasing decisions from ACIP recommendations alone. Washington should allow its Department of Health to consult other credible, science-based authorities such as:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
- The newly formed West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA)
This bill will be Department of Health request legislation.
Of all the public health measures of the last century, vaccines are consistently cited as the innovation that has saved the most lives and prevented the most suffering. A study led by the World Health Organization showed that global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives – or 6 lives every minute of every year – for the past 50 years. Most of the lives saved – 101 million – were those of infants. Children are uniquely vulnerable to vaccine preventable diseases. As an organization dedicated to the health and wellness of all children, we feel that defending this resource is among our highest obligations.
Medicaid & SNAP: Children Can’t Afford These Cuts
The federal Budget Reconciliation Act (HR1) will cut $900 billion from Medicaid nationally over the next decade. Washington faces an estimated $28B-$46B loss in Medicaid funding.
- The state Health Care Authority estimates 80,000 Washingtonians may lose ACA marketplace coverage January 2026 if federal tax credits are not extended.
- SNAP changes slated for 2028 institute more stringent work requirements and eliminate coverage for asylees, refugees, and lawfully present non-citizens and shift financial burden to states.
- Most Medicaid cuts take effect in 2030–2034, harming children and families with cuts to eligibility and benefits, threatening access to care.
In addition to direct losses of coverage for enrollees, Medicaid cuts threaten the pediatric healthcare infrastructure in Washington State. Rural and Pediatric Hospitals are under deep financial stress and HR1 may precipitate collapse or limitations on pediatric offerings. Primary care providers may close or reduce Medicaid caseload.
Solution
Advocate for state policies that protect child and family access to health care and nutrition as federal funding declines.
- Ensure children are not subject to eligibility cuts
- Maintain adequate provider payments
- Safeguard access to primary care and behavioral health care
Behavioral & Mental Health: Building a System That Works for Kids
Washington lacks a comprehensive, coordinated behavioral health system for children, youth, and young adults. The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Workgroup (CYBHWG) is leading development of a strategic plan for behavioral health from prenatal through age 25, due to the legislature in November 2025.
Plan Goals:
- Build a coordinated system of care grounded in family and community
- Expand education and prevention statewide
- Ensure access to targeted treatments
- Provide intensive, ongoing support for those with complex needs
Solutions
Once the P–25 Strategic Plan is released, WCAAP will work to identify and champion priority recommendations in the 2026 legislative session — particularly those that:
- Expand access to care
- Improve care coordination
- Increase workforce capacity
Other issues we support
We work closely with allied stakeholders on many issues during the legislative session and year-round. We will be updating our 2026 support items as opportunities arise.
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