Employees at the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) are facing the possibility of layoffs as financial challenges continue to weigh on the agency’s operations.
In a recent internal communication, Interim Director MaryAnne Lindeblad informed HCA staff that workforce reductions are now part of the agency’s strategy moving forward. The HCA, which oversees Apple Health (the state’s Medicaid program) and provides health benefits for public employees, currently serves about 2.7 million Washingtonians and employs nearly 1,900 people statewide.
While questions have been raised about whether the looming layoffs are connected to reductions in the state budget or shifts in federal Medicaid funding, a spokesperson for the agency declined to specify the exact cause. Notably, Ryan Moran, who is scheduled to assume leadership of the HCA on August 18, was reportedly not involved in the decision-making process regarding the cuts.
Deputy Chief Communications Director Katie Pope acknowledged the difficult nature of the situation, saying that the reduction in force is a painful reality for both the employees and the communities HCA serves. She emphasized the agency’s goal of “responsibly managing limited resources while continuing to meet our legal and programmatic commitments to Washington residents.”
The HCA isn’t alone in facing cuts. The Washington State Department of Health has already let go of 44 employees, and further staff reductions are expected across other state departments due to ongoing budget constraints and numerous vacant positions that remain unfilled.
Meanwhile, the Washington Federation of State Employees has confirmed that it has yet to receive official layoff notices, a step that is required under existing labor contracts.
