Washington Health Care Association

12/25/2025

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year, from all of us here at Team WHCA! We hope your holiday season is warm and bright.

12/24/2025

Rep. Steve Bergquist (D-11) recently toured the Cedar River Healthcare Center with Administrator Zoee Brucell and team member Chad. Joining the tour were WHCA's own Aidan Swayne and Jeff Gombosky, alongside PACS' Lisa Moore, PT, MPH, MPS, CEEAA.

Rep. Bergquist had engaging questions and appreciated the opportunity to learn firsthand about issues affecting long-term care and skilled nursing. As Zoee pointed out, their facility has a vital role in hospital relief and bed decompression, and her teams have begun building strong local relationships with healthcare providers in the area.

Thank you to Rep. Bergquist for taking time to see a great facility working to serve the needs of older adults in his district.

12/24/2025

Today, Governor Bob Ferguson released his 2026 supplemental budget in Olympia. For skilled nursing and assisted living providers, the proposal eliminates the much-needed Medicaid rates update. Under the Ferguson plan, current Medicaid rates are frozen at 2022 levels until July 1, 2028.

“A budget is an illustration of choices, and the picture that Governor Ferguson is choosing to paint of our state is one where significantly more Washingtonians will go without the care they need - especially if they are older, low-income or have behavioral health needs,” said Carma Matti-Jackson, CEO of the Washington Health Care Association.

Read the WHCA response to the Ferguson supplemental budget proposal on our website using the link below:

12/23/2025

Team WHCA would like to give a shoutout to Regency at Northpointe for recently receiving their 2nd deficiency-free survey! This is quite the amazing accomplishment and WHCA is proud to serve member facilities like Regency at Northpointe.

Congratulations to Executive Director Jesse L. Shelton, MBA, BS, NHA and the entire team for this wonderful achievement. Keep up the good work!

12/23/2025

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen recently toured Merrill Garden's Truewood facility in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle with WHCA's own Aidan Swayne.

Senator Pederson took the time to meet residents and staff alike and share a bit about his background and legislative priorities. This was a wonderful opportunity for connection, and team WHCA is so appreciative to Senator Pederson, the staff at Truewood, and Executive Director Patrick Connor.

12/04/2025

Representative Gloria Mendoza recently visited WHCA facility member Emerald Care. Take a look at some of the highlights!

One of our favorite things to do is connect member facilities with legislators. We believe it brings compassion and connection to a new level.

Thank you to Emerald Care and Rep. Mendoza!

12/04/2025

Calling all long-term care advocates! Tune in to the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee hearing TODAY at 8:00 am (in just 30 minutes!), where WHCA's Government Relations Coordinator, Aidan Swayne, will be presenting testimony about the workforce challenges facing the sector.

Don't miss this opportunity to stay in the know and up to date!

Work Session: Update on the long-term care workforce.Overview of the palliative care report.Overview of health care pricing transparency.

12/03/2025

"Our long-term care options like assisted living and skilled nursing facilities have become an essential part of the fabric of healthcare in our state that keeps residents out of in-demand hospital beds and instead in stable, supportive housing that meets their needs, wherever they are."

Former WA State Representative - and current assisted living resident - Lorraine Hines penned a powerful op-ed in The Olympian this week urging lawmakers to continue their commitment to stable Medicaid funding in the upcoming legislative session.

Our long-term care options like assisted living and skilled nursing have become an essential part of the fabric of healthcare | Opinion

12/03/2025

This time of year is all about giving and gratitude. At our holiday staff retreat last month, every member of team WHCA put together gift bags for residents of Emerald Care Center in Wapato, one of our member facilities.

We love being able to give back and we are so thankful for the opportunity to do so. Special shoutout to WHCA's Elena Madrid for transporting all of the gifts safely!

Also pictured: WHCA team members Juanita Taurman, Jennifer Baria, Aidan Swayne, Angela Ewing, MI, and WHCA CEO Carma Matti-Jackson.

12/02/2025

Special shoutout to Lacamas Creek Post Acute for recently receiving a 5-Star Rating from CMS!

This is a truly phenomenal achievement. Well done and keep up the good work!

12/02/2025

WHCA team members Juanita Taurman and Vicki McNealley had the pleasure of attending the Mason Health Foundation’s annual gala on Saturday, November 15th in Shelton.

The foundation raises funds to promote Mason County citizen health and wellness through Mason Health supports. WHCA board member Jaimie Hans, executive director at Maple Glen Assisted Living, also serves as the Mason Health Foundation’s president. Jeanna Marquina, Maple Glen Assisted Living’s assistant executive director also serves on the Mason Health Foundation board of directors. Emily Severson is the Resident Services Director at Maple Glen Assisted Living.

L-R: Emily Severson, Juanita Taurman, Jaimie Hans, Jeanna Marquina, and Vicki McNealley.