H.R.1: Medicaid Eligibility and Financial Implications (Clinton Fridley & Mary Storace)

This session will explore the significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing resulting from H.R. 1 and what they mean for hospitals and patients. Presenters will examine upcoming eligibility and work requirements, changes to Washington’s State Directed Payment Program, potential financial impacts on hospitals, and the new Rural Health Transformation Program. Attendees will also learn how the Washington State Hospital Association is supporting hospitals through advocacy, education, and implementation resources as these changes take effect. Learning Objectives: Review the impact of H.R. 1 on Medicaid eligibility and health care coverage Review Washington’s state directed payment program Overview the new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Highlight WSHA’s advocacy and support for Washington hospitals Clinton Fridley Director, Medicaid Payment Program Washington State Hospital Association Clinton Fridley is the Director of the Medicaid Payment Program at the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). With experience leading Medicaid financing efforts from both the state and provider perspectives. He specializes in hospital reimbursement, supplemental payment programs, and healthcare finance policy. Clinton helped implement the Washington State Safety Net Assessment Program (SNAP) while at the Washington State Health Care Authority and now works closely with hospitals, state agencies, and policymakers through WSHA to advance Medicaid funding and reimbursement strategies that support access to care across Washington State. Mary Storace Policy Analyst, Government Affairs Washington State Hospital Association Mary Storace is the Policy Analyst for the Government Affairs Department at the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). She specializes in health care policy and Medicaid, analyzing federal and state legislation, regulations, and policy changes and their impact on hospitals and the communities they serve. Mary helps lead WSHA’s work related to H.R. 1, including tracking Medicaid eligibility and coverage changes, co-leading a workgroup focused on implementation, engaging with hospitals and health care partners, and developing resources to help Apple Health clients understand and prepare for upcoming changes.