Throughout the 2026 Washington state legislative session, Elevate Health worked collaboratively with fellow members of the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health (CACH) to advocate for bills and resources that support health-related social needs (HRSNs).

As state leaders continue to grapple with unexpected budget constraints and dramatic federal policy shifts, including the implementation of H.R. 1, CACH focused its advocacy efforts on maintaining service for individuals and families who rely on Medicaid, food assistance and other basic needs support.

“Our top priority for the 2026 session was to work proactively so eligible people keep their Medicaid/Apple Health benefits,” said Gena Morgan, Elevate Health executive director and CACH board chair. “This priority focused on continuity of access, effective use of existing systems, and preserving progress made in whole-person health.”

In addition to advocating for continued services and funding, CACH advocated for several bills that reflect the collective mission of Washington’s Accountable Communities of Health. Four of these bills were signed into law:

HB2238 – Food Security Strategic Plan

Directs the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to develop a comprehensive, statewide food security strategy aimed at ending hunger, reducing diet-related health disparities, and strengthening Washington’s agricultural sector and supply chains.
Expands WSDA’s role to include food security coordination and food system performance monitoring, including analysis of agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, and food access across the state.
Emphasizes inclusive collaboration with state agencies, tribes, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, subject-matter experts, individuals with lived experience of food insecurity, and small BIPOC farmers.
Calls for clearly defining food security, establishing measurable metrics, and identifying policy and regulatory barriers, while proposing solutions such as improved disaster response, nutrition education, and research into the root causes of hunger.

HB2211 – Medically Tailored Meals

Requires state agencies that provide meals through medical assistance programs to offer medically tailored meals—designed and reviewed by qualified medical professionals—for people with specific health conditions.
Prioritizes purchasing meals from local nonprofit organizations and small businesses, using fresh, whole foods sourced within Washington state or meals prepared from scratch.
Aims to improve health outcomes for people enrolled in state medical assistance programs while supporting local food systems and reducing environmental impacts through local sourcing and delivery.

HB2242 – Preventative Services

Ensures continued access to preventive health care by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations and guidance, based on federal and expert input, without going through a lengthy rule‑making process.
Requires health plans to cover recommended preventive services and immunizations for adults, children, and families, beginning with plan years starting on or after April 1, 2026.
Keeps preventive care affordable by prohibiting cost‑sharing for covered services when provided by in‑network providers, while also supporting cost‑effective vaccine purchasing and ongoing legislative review.

HB2475 – Language Access

Requires state agencies to provide language‑accessible public programs, services, and activities so people can receive information and services in their preferred language, including spoken and signed languages.
Directs the Office of Equity to develop uniform statewide guidelines by December 1, 2027, to ensure consistent language access across agencies and to propose solutions to address interpreter and translator shortages, especially in rural areas and for less common languages.
Requires state agencies to submit implementation plans by June 30, 2028, while clarifying that the bill strengthens existing language access efforts and does not create new legal rights or remedies.

From Food Security to Language Access: Four Legislative Wins Elevate Health was Proud to Support