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WashingtonHB 25312025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Aligning the quality assurance fee for the ambulance transport fund with federal regulations.

Sponsored By: David Stuebe (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Extra Medicaid pay for ambulance transports

The Health Care Authority pays an annual per‑transport add‑on to Medicaid fee‑for‑service ambulance payments. Each year, the add‑on equals the projected available fee amount from the prior year divided by the projected number of Medicaid emergency transports from that year. Money for these increases comes only from the ambulance quality fee, its interest, and federal match, and must add to—not replace—existing funding. After July 1, 2026, the Authority adjusts the add‑on if the fee pool and target differ by more than 1%. The Authority may seek federal approval to run these add‑ons for a fixed period.

Quarterly ambulance provider fee and rates

Private and nonprofit ambulance providers that bill patients pay a state quality fee each quarter; government‑run and tribal services are excluded. Each bill equals the annual per‑transport rate times the number of emergency transports you made two quarters earlier. For July 1, 2022–June 30, 2026, the yearly rate uses a formula tied to the target add‑on, the state medical assistance percentage, and 90% of projected transports; starting July 1, 2026, the rate is the one in effect on July 4, 2025. Through June 30, 2026, the Authority adjusts the rate if the fee pool and target differ by more than 1%. The Authority must give at least 30 days’ notice and invoice lead time, cannot require payment earlier than day 15 of the quarter, and must accept late payments in a later rate year.

Ambulance providers face tougher collections

If you pay late, interest accrues at the state rate. After 60 days late, a monthly penalty equal to that interest applies. After written notice, the Authority may take unpaid fees and interest from your Medicaid reimbursements and can spread deductions over time. The Authority may waive some or all interest and penalties for undue financial hardship if you agree to a payment plan. In a merger or purchase, the successor must pay any unpaid fees, interest, and penalties; you may ask the Authority to confirm amounts.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Stuebe

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Alex Ybarra

    Republican • House

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Jurado Stonier

    Democratic • House

  • Zach Hall

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/11/2026House

  2. Chapter 31, 2026 Laws.

    3/11/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/5/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/28/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/20/2026House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    2/19/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    2/16/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  15. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/6/2026House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/30/2026House

  17. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/28/2026House

  18. APP - Majority; do pass.

    1/28/2026House

  19. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    1/16/2026House

  20. Introduced

    1/16/2026House

Bill Text

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