As Washington’s 2026 legislative session reached its midpoint in Olympia, lawmakers representing Clark County have introduced several health‑care bills with direct implications for residents of Vancouver, Battle Ground, and surrounding communities.

In the 49th Legislative District, Democratic Representatives Monica Stonier and Sharon Wylie are leading efforts in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. Rep. Stonier is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2564. The measure would empower the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to evaluate whether health insurance plans differ in meaningful ways—such as cost‑sharing, provider networks, premium levels, and benefits—and to assess whether multiple insurers offer options that optimize federal tax credits and state investment. Stonier emphasized that the abundance of similar plans complicates consumer choice and that the bill would aim to streamline access to affordable and varied plan offerings across the state.

Rep. Wylie is a co‑sponsor of House Bill 2242, which seeks to shore up the state’s ability to mandate insurance coverage for key services recommended by the Washington State Department of Health—like vaccinations—at cost‑effective rates. This bill responds to recent federal reversals on childhood immunization guidelines and is intended to reinforce state agency authority in ensuring preventive services remain accessible and affordable.

On the Senate side, Senate Minority Leader John Braun (R‑Centralia), representing the 20th Legislative District—including parts of northern and eastern Cowlitz County—is co‑sponsoring Senate Bill 5959. The bill would tighten eligibility for charity care—programs providing free or reduced‑cost health services—by clearly defining “Washington resident” and specifying that individuals visiting the state solely for health care purposes are ineligible. Importantly, the legislation maintains that immigration status cannot influence eligibility decisions. Braun frames the bill as a response to perceived misuse of the charity care system and as a safeguard for rural hospitals under financial strain.

Senator Adrian Cortes (D‑Battle Ground), representing the 18th Legislative District, is sponsoring Senate Bill 5823, which would require all hospitals to provide patient advocates onsite, available 24/7, beginning January 1, 2027. Cortes said constituents describe the health‑care system as overwhelming and difficult to navigate; patient advocates would assist individuals in interfacing with doctors, insurers, and providers. Cortes also supports five additional health‑related bills, though details were not included in the report.

These legislative priorities emerge amid widespread concern over the state’s fiscal health—declining revenue, rising costs, and federal cutbacks have created a projected $1.6 billion shortfall in Washington’s supplemental budget. Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed that agencies submitted $2 billion in requests, but only $700 million is currently affordable without drawing heavily on reserve funds.

Why this matters to Cowlitz County and Longview‑Kelso area: Although most of these lawmakers represent Vancouver, Brush Prairie, Battle Ground, and surrounding communities, their proposed reforms address system‑wide challenges that affect all Washington residents—including those in Cowlitz County. If passed, the bills would influence insurance plan choice, access to preventive care, patient navigation support, and eligibility for charity care—each with implications for affordability and coverage stability. Evaluating their progress is critical to understanding how state‑level health policy may directly impact rural and semi‑urban communities in southwest Washington.

We will continue to monitor these bills as the session progresses toward the March 12 adjournment, reporting on hearings, amendments, and fiscal analyses that affect local funding and implementation.

Sources: