Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

EVERETT — Amid proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, visited Compass Health’s new behavioral health center Wednesday.

The nonprofit expects to open the 72,000-square-foot, $71 million center in August to serve about 1,300 people per year. The center at 3322 Broadway in Everett would provide a range of treatments to patients experiencing mental health crises.

Nearly all of those patients will rely on Medicaid, which is in jeopardy at the federal level, Larsen said. About $800 billion in federal Medicaid funding is at risk in budget legislation that’s currently in the U.S. Senate. The bill could also require people to work a certain number of hours per week to receive coverage, which might not be possible for some people with disabilities or who live in employment deserts, Larsen said.

“If you talk to these people, having to re-up every six months or having a work requirement is going to be really hard,” said Katie Gilligan, chief health officer at Compass Health.

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