For immediate release. OLYMPIA — Customers at Fred Meyer’s 60 pharmacies in Washington now have access to free locking bags to more safely store their opioid prescriptions. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is collaborating with the retailer …
For immediate release. Stanwood, WA — On June 6, the Tulalip Tribes, Health Care Authority (HCA), and Telecare Behavioral Health of Washington celebrated the opening of Fern Lodge Behavioral Wellness in Stanwood. The new inpatient facility is expected to …
For immediate release. OLYMPIA, WA— May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on meaningful steps to expand mental and behavioral health care access for all. Washington State has been experiencing a behavioral health workforce shortage, …
For immediate release. OLYMPIA - The Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington’s Lottery, and the Health Care Authority (HCA) are joining forces this March to promote Problem Gambling Awareness Month. While most Washington residents who gamble do so …
For immediate release. Olympia - The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) launched a new birth doula benefit for Apple Health (Medicaid) on January 1, 2025. Birth doulas in Washington can now get reimbursed for services provided to Apple Health …
For immediate release. Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) and Health Care Authority (HCA) are pleased to announce Cascade Select will be available in all 39 Washington counties in 2025, with the addition of the two final counties: Lincoln and …
OLYMPIA – Today, insurance payers, representatives from the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), Governor Jay Inslee’s office, and the Washington State Medical Association celebrated the signing of a memorandum of understanding committing to …
Olympia – For their work to promote mental health, wellness, and prevent substance use disorder, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently honored several individuals and organizations at the 36th annual Washington State Prevention Summit, …
OLYMPIA – Early results from the COVID-19 Student Survey of about 65,000 middle and high school students in Washington show many of them reported feeling sad or depressed most days during the pandemic. But the majority of students in each grade also …
OLYMPIA – Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Director Sue Birch has named Dr. Charissa Fotinos as interim state Medicaid director effective August 1, 2021. Dr. Fotinos, a family doctor specializing in addiction medicine, is HCA’s deputy chief …
OLYMPIA – The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) announced that the state will receive a $5 million Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model grant. The CHART Model will help transform the health care system in rural …
OLYMPIA – Results from the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), a statewide survey of young people focused on their health behaviors, are now available. Data suggest mental health concerns remain with some signs of improved health behaviors, including a …
OLYMPIA – About 75 percent of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that was not prescribed for them, usually taken from a friend or family member. Simple steps like safely disposing of unused medications can stop them from being misused. …
OLYMPIA – After a nationwide search, Health Care Authority (HCA) Director Sue Birch has selected Dr. Charissa Fotinos as the new state Medicaid director. Dr. Fotinos will also continue to serve as HCA behavioral health medical director, the position she …
Media contact Melissa Thoemke, HCA behavioral health communications manager About the Washington State Health Care Authority The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral …
OLYMPIA – Washington continues to perform among the top states in the nation for health care systems, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund. For the first time, The Commonwealth Fund also reviewed how well states responded to the COVID-19 …
