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Bill to assess large employers for Apple Health draws broad support and strong business opposition
Summary
SB 6,173 proposes a quarterly Apple Health employer assessment on large employers to raise revenue for the healthcare affordability account. Supporters say it protects Medicaid access amid federal changes; business groups argue it creates administrative burdens, legal risk and could hurt hiring and small employers.
Senate Bill 6,173, discussed Jan. 20, 2026 in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, would impose an Apple Health employer assessment on employers with 100 or more Washington employees (excluding state and local governments). The assessment equals an employer’s total member months for Apple Health enrollees in the preceding year multiplied by the Medicaid expansion capitation amount certified by the Healthcare Authority. Collected revenue would be deposited into the state healthcare affordability account and spent only after appropriation.
Committee staff described the bill as a response to federal changes (HR1) that would impose community engagement requirements and are…
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