Association News
Washington Voters Strongly Support Medicaid
Potential cuts to the Medicaid program have been getting attention recently due to its monumental importance on the
lives of Americans, and especially Washingtonians. Medicaid (known as Apple Health in WA) has found itself on the list for potential cuts at the federal level. However, Washingtonians overwhelmingly support Medicaid in its current form and find great need in its retention.
According to a Morning Consult survey, 92% of Washington voters say it’s important to have a strong, sustainable Medicaid program in the US. Also, 76% of Washington voters have a favorable view of Medicaid, and 70% oppose cutting funding for Medicaid.
Voters in our state clearly agree that Medicaid is a priority. When asked about their number one priority in Medicaid, 29% of Washington voters said Affordability, 22% said Accessibility, and 15% said Cost Effectiveness. Medicaid is a popular program that Washingtonians do not want to see cut.
Our voters want Medicaid to continue to provide affordable and accessible healthcare coverage to those who need it the most.
Those who use Medicaid in WA – and would therefore be most impacted by federal cuts – account for 25% of the state’s population, according to the Washington State Health Care Authority. Many more children are enrolled in Medicaid, with almost 50% of children in the state finding care in the program.
Continue to advocate to your members of Congress about the importance of retaining Medicaid coverage in its current form. Share your story to ensure your member of Congress knows why protecting Medicaid is important to their constituents here.
Washington Association for Community Health Announces David Pearson as New CEO
February 12
The Washington Association for Community Health (the Association) is excited to announce
David Pearson as our new CEO. As a former regional executive for the American Hospital
Association, Dave brings a strong background in health care policy, advocacy, and health
care association management. He also led the Texas Organization of Rural and Community
Hospitals and was Director of Operations for the Center for Rural Health Initiatives, giving
him a deep understanding of rural health needs.
Dave is a convener and bridge builder, bringing experience creating consensus among
hospital leaders across four states and working in bi-partisan environments. Dave believes
strongly in the mission of community health centers and will use his expertise to guide our ongoing work to create innovative workforce development programs, offer technical assistance, and advocate for policies that strengthen community health centers. Dave’s official start date is April 15, 2025.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Dave to our team. He is looking forward to working with you to ensure everyone in Washington can access high-quality, affordable health care.
Celebrating Bob Marsalli
We would also like to thank outgoing CEO Bob Marsalli for nine years of committed service to the Association. In his time as CEO, Bob championed the expansion of affordable dental care, advocating for the state to fund 43 new dental clinics at community health centers. He also guided the Association through the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully advocating for $118 million of emergency funds to prevent community health clinics from going bankrupt during lockdown. He has stewarded significant expansion of the Association’s programs and staff, among many accomplishments.
Bob is retiring after a 20-year career in community health centers. His important work began at a CHC in rural Oregon, then as CEO of the Montana Primary Care Association, before arriving in Washington. He is well known throughout the country as a thoughtful and charismatic leader who deeply believes in and advocates for access to culturally responsive, affordable, quality care, and he will be greatly missed by all.
