Submitted by Unity Care NW
Health care access is under threat for thousands of people in Whatcom County. A new bill passed by Congress and currently under review by the Senate, proposes major changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would significantly raise costs and create new barriers for low-income families.
The bill would:
- Add a $35 co-pay for Medicaid services for anyone living on more than $15,650 a year
- Reinstate work requirements for Medicaid eligibility
- Raise ACA premiums by $1,460 per year for people who buy affordable health insurance through the federal marketplace
These changes could result in over 8 million people nationwide losing their medical coverage[1], including thousands of Whatcom County residents. In Washington state, Medicaid is known as Apple Health, and it currently helps over 2 million people access care. Thousands more rely on affordable plans made available through the ACA.
Locally, Unity Care NW and Sea Mar are the only Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs) in Whatcom County. These clinics primarily serve people on Medicaid, who might otherwise go without medical, dental, or behavioral health services.
What Is a Community Health Center?
Community health centers served 31 million Americans in 2024 — the highest number in the 60-year history of the Health Center Program. These nonprofit centers, including Unity Care NW, are mission-driven to care for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. In 2023, more than 90% of FQHC patients nationwide lived below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line — about $30,000 a year for an individual.
At Unity Care NW:
- 57% of patients are covered by Apple Health
- 16% are uninsured
- Most live on modest incomes — below $30,000 per year for an individual
Community health centers provide care for children, seniors, rural families, people experiencing homelessness, and others who often face barriers to getting care. In fact, community health centers like Unity Care NW serve 1 in 8 children in the U.S.
More Than Just a Clinic
FQHCs like Unity Care NW go beyond treating illness. They provide preventive services like immunizations and HIV testing, and help patients manage long-term health issues like diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. True to their name, community health centers are part of the fabric of the communities they serve — committed to helping people live healthier, stronger, and more supported lives.
Unity Care NW continues to be a lifeline for more than 24,750 local residents. But if these proposed federal changes go through, many of their patients could lose their coverage and their access to care.
You Can Help
Now more than ever, we must stand up for health care that is affordable, fair, and available to all.
Readers can learn more about Unity Care NW’s work and impact in Whatcom County by viewing the organization’s Annual Report. The report highlights the care provided, the challenges patients face, and the measurable difference Unity Care NW is making in the community. Readers may also contact their senators to ask them to protect those who rely on Medicaid or make a gift to help make quality health care accessible to everyone in Whatcom County.
[1] Source: the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office
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