Spokane health centers step up as thousands lose Medicaid coverage

SPOKANE, Wash. — Thousands of Washington residents lost their Medicaid access, leaving many vulnerable populations scrambling to find affordable care options.

CHAS Health Center, a community organization serving the Spokane area, has opened its doors to people who lost coverage, offering sliding fee scales for anyone regardless of immigration status.

The health center now provides primary care to refugees and asylum seekers starting at just $20 per visit.

“Knowing that you’re only going to pay $20 if you have to go to the doctor that helps take the fear away from if i get sick what am i going to do,” said Julie Becker, Patient Resources Director at CHAS Health Center.

The affordable option is designed to offset the financial burden people now face due to the policy change. For patients who need to see a specialist or have additional healthcare needs, CHAS resource coordinators can help connect them with services or find ways to reduce those outside costs.

“Navigating health insurance is complicated and we’re here to support you so reach out to us and ask for help,” Becker said.

Last week, a rally organized by a union of caregivers protested the changes to Medicaid coverage. According to the International Rescue Committee, more than 3,000 people in the county lost coverage as a result of the policy shift. Most of those affected are Ukrainian refugees.

Kathryn Garras, director of Refugees and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS), said her team has spent weeks educating people impacted by the coverage loss about their available options.

“This is going to change a lot of people’s lives who have already been uprooted and have had to move to our country for reasons that are completely outside of their control,” Garras said.

RICS is also available to help people enroll in financial aid programs and can provide assistance with immigration status processes. The organization has made it a priority to ensure affected residents understand what resources are available to them during this transition.

If you lost your access to Medicaid, you can visit this website to explore your options.