by Hannah Saunders
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is decimating the U.S.’s for-profit healthcare system, with 11,000 immigrants in Washington having lost Medicaid coverage on Oct. 1. In response, staff with the King County Library System (KCLS) created a healthcare guide for immigrants, non-citizens, and those without health insurance.
One staff member told TtS that this effort is not endorsed by the KCLS, and that physical copies are available at the Kent Panther Lake, Fairwood, Maple Valley, and South Center libraries.
The Act slashed over $1.3 trillion in healthcare and food assistance benefits nationwide. A whopping 14,000 immigrants in Washington were expected to lose coverage, but Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office directed outreach efforts, which were conducted by the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, community partners, and providers and helped people update their personal information or immigration status to continue to qualify for and receive benefits.
Additional major changes are coming on Jan. 1: 600,000 Washingtonians will be forced to undergo work requirements for the very first time if they want to maintain their Apple Health coverage. Recipients will also be forced to apply for benefits twice as often or every six months, although the state is working to implement an automated verification hub. Still, about 200,000 people are expected to lose coverage by the end of 2027, according to the Governor’s Office.
“Work requirements or an exemption must be met in the month before applying, or in any of the six months before renewing coverage,” according to the Washington State Health Care Authority.
Requirement criteria includes $580 in monthly household income or an average of $580 over six months for seasonal workers, enrollment in a part-time education program, and at least 80 hours of community service per month, among others.
The goal of the KCLS staff’s flyer is to help cover some of these gaps and ensure people can access healthcare, which is a human right. It’s divided up into multiple sections:
- King County Public Health Resources, like mobile care clinics and public health centers
- Health Insurance, including Apple Health Expansion and Washington Health Plan Finder
- Medical & Dental Services Across King County, featuring Sea Mar Community Health Center and Lahai Health
- Medical & Dental Services in Seattle
- Medical & Dental Services in South King County
- Behavioral Healthcare
- Perinatal Healthcare & Doula Servies
- Health Services for Individuals Living with HIV, such as Lifelong
- Seattle, Reproductive & LGBTQ+ Healthcare, like Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, Planned Parenthood, and UTOPIA
“Healthcare services in the guide serve non-citizens and are free or have fees determined by income,” according to the flyer. “Always call to confirm services, hours, eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and cost of services directly with the organization.”
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