Hospitals urge caution on reimbursement cuts; commenters push progressive revenue ideas

Public commenters at the Sept. 3 Universal Healthcare Commission meeting urged both caution and ambition as the commission develops financing and reimbursement plans.

Jennifer Bracken of the Washington State Hospital Association told commissioners hospitals face rising costs and significant charity-care obligations — she said hospitals reported about $565 million in charity care in 2024 — and warned that lowering hospital reimbursement without accounting for actual hospital costs could undermine access and stability. "This broader economic context should be considered when interpreting the 6.2% figure," Bracken said, referencing state data on per-enrollee spending growth.

Other commenters pushed progressive revenue options. Jamie (a retail worker and candidate) urged the commission to examine broad-based reforms, including state-level taxes on financial intangibles to shift burdens off working and middle-income residents; advocates noted limits and trade-offs for sales taxes, graduated income taxes and capital-gains measures.

Why it matters: The commission will weigh provider-financing reforms against hospital financial viability and public appetite for revenue sources; hospital input highlights the trade-offs between containing costs and ensuring provider solvency.

Provenance: Public-comment block and written submissions included in the commission packet.