Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

EVERETT — Amid proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, visited Compass Health’s new behavioral health center Wednesday.

The nonprofit expects to open the 72,000-square-foot, $71 million center in August to serve about 1,300 people per year. The center at 3322 Broadway in Everett would provide a range of treatments to patients experiencing mental health crises.

Nearly all of those patients will rely on Medicaid, which is in jeopardy at the federal level, Larsen said. About $800 billion in federal Medicaid funding is at risk in budget legislation that’s currently in the U.S. Senate. The bill could also require people to work a certain number of hours per week to receive coverage, which might not be possible for some people with disabilities or who live in employment deserts, Larsen said.

“If you talk to these people, having to re-up every six months or having a work requirement is going to be really hard,” said Katie Gilligan, chief health officer at Compass Health.

In 2022, Larsen secured $2 million in funding for the new behavioral health center.

In March, Compass Health was hoping to get another $2 million from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in the 2025 budget. That has since been cut, Gilligan said. The nonprofit is still waiting to hear from the state about other federal funding, she said.

In Northwest Washington, up to 46,000 people could lose insurance if the federal legislation passes, Larsen said. There are misconceptions among legislators about what people use Medicaid for, he added, such as expanded community services into Adult Family Homes and other behavioral health services.

“In their districts, they have to individually get the outreach from people who are involved with those things to demonstrate to them there’s a problem, and the work requirements aren’t going to work,” Larsen said.

The tour was part of a multi-stop trip for Larsen. Earlier in the day, he stopped by Edmonds, discussing cuts to food access at the Edmonds Food Bank, and the new Congressional Ferry Caucus at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. He also visited Everett’s new Everett Union Hall and Machinists Institute and discussed legislation to give tribal law enforcement more tools to combat the opioid epidemic in Tulalip.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.