Zahilay Introduces Motion Opposing Cuts To Medicaid

King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay recently introduced a motion to formally oppose proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could strip healthcare from thousands and destabilize hospital systems across the county. The motion also pledges support for healthcare workers, patients, and systems that rely on Apple Health, Washington State’s Medicaid program.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for nearly half a million people in King County,” Zahilay said. “Cutting it would be devastating for families, frontline care workers, and our entire healthcare system. This motion is about standing up for our most vulnerable neighbors and making sure King County continues to be a place where everyone can get the care they need to live and thrive.”

To highlight the local consequences, Zahilay will convene an expert panel examining how Medicaid cuts would affect care delivery, jobs, and access to services. Panelists include:

• Sommer Kleweno Walley, CEO of Harborview Medical Center

• Ian Goodhew, Senior Director of External Affairs for University of Washington Medicine

• Mike Yestramski, AFSCME International Vice President, Northwestern Legislative District

• Nikki Lee, family provider and SEIU 775 member

The proposed federal reductions could lead to layoffs, care cutbacks, and service closures across public, nonprofit, and private systems, according to King County officials.

“A major cut to Medicaid isn’t even penny wise and pound foolish—it will undoubtedly increase overall cost for care and will result in lost lives and harm our population health,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

Mosqueda warned that Washington State could face $1.53 billion in added uncompensated care, a burden local governments cannot absorb under current budget constraints.

Adam Glickman, secretary-treasurer of SEIU 775, said the stakes go beyond budget numbers.

“The proposed cuts to Medicaid will eliminate affordable health benefits for hundreds of thousands of low-income people across Washington State and cost the state $2 billion over the next few years in lost federal income,” Glickman said. “We appreciate Council Chair Zahilay shining a light on this crisis—we need to prepare for the impacts while we continue to push to get Congress to do the right thing and reject eliminating health benefits for working families in order to fund tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.”

The motion will be referred to the council’s Health, Housing and Human Services Committee for further review.