Senator Maria Cantwell, right, in Moses Lake in 2024. Cantwell said Aug. 21 that she thought changes to the Medicaid program could and would raise medical insurance rates. Additionally, like many other Democrats, Cantwell has expressed concern about people losing access to health care completely.
September 23, 2025
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Changes to Medicaid spark controversy, confusion
MOSES LAKE — New requirements for applicants and recipients of Medicaid, scheduled to go into effect in 2027, have caused confusion and controversy. Who qualifies and how recipients maintain eligibility have been the subject of extensive discussion since HR 1, the bill that established them, was approved by Congress in July. Democrats have claimed the bill will devastate health care for Americans, while Republicans have boasted about the measure's savings and potential to reduce the national debt.