SPOKANE, Wash. – Medicaid Access Loss
Many residents in Washington have lost their access to Medicaid, leaving numerous vulnerable groups seeking affordable healthcare alternatives.
CHAS Health Center, a community service organization in Spokane, is now welcoming individuals who have lost their coverage. They’re offering sliding fee scales for everyone, regardless of their immigration status.
The center is now providing primary care for refugees and asylum seekers, with visits starting at just $20.
“Knowing that you’re only going to pay $20 if you need to see a doctor really helps relieve the anxiety of what to do if you get sick,” mentioned Julie Becker, the Patient Resources Director at CHAS Health Center.
This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial challenges brought on by the recent policy changes. For patients requiring specialist consultations or additional healthcare services, CHAS resource coordinators are available to assist in connecting them with the necessary services or finding ways to minimize these added expenses.
“Health insurance can be really complicated, but we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out,” Becker added.
Recently, a rally was held by a caregiver union to protest the changes in Medicaid coverage. According to the International Rescue Committee, over 3,000 individuals in the county lost their insurance due to this policy shift, with many of those affected being Ukrainian refugees.
Kathryn Garras, who oversees Refugees and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS), shared that her team has dedicated weeks to informing those affected about their options following this coverage loss.
“This will significantly impact many lives, particularly those who have already had to flee their homes and seek refuge in our country due to uncontrollable circumstances,” Garras noted.
RICS also offers help for individuals seeking to enroll in financial aid programs and assistance with immigration processes. The organization is focused on ensuring that those impacted are aware of the resources available to them during this time of change.
If you have lost your Medicaid access, you can visit this website to look into your options.
