This has been another week of significant challenges to our state, community and healthcare system. You have likely heard about the layoffs and funding cuts, including grant cancellations, at Health and Human Services. Should the cuts be allowed to stand, the state of Washington could lose over $160 million in funding, which will jeopardize many local public health initiatives. Additionally, UW Medicine has not yet received approval from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services for our 2025 Inpatient and Outpatient Directed Payment Programs which provide over $375 million per year in supplemental Medicaid funding to our hospitals. These are just the latest federal actions which impact UW, UW Medicine and our community.
We are discussing strategies in preparation for a substantial reduction in federal funding. The Mission Forward work that many employees in our organization have contributed to will continue to help increase efficiency while we continue to control expenses, including careful review of any potential new hires. Additionally, we are reviewing where revenue can be increased, such as increasing access to key service lines. We aim to minimize furloughs and layoffs as much as possible and will share transparently as the situation progresses and we continue to assess funding impacts. We are focused on sustaining UW Medicine and our mission so that we are here to serve our community long-term. Here are this week’s federal policy updates:
- Health and Human Services: In addition to the funding cuts mentioned above, the sweeping job reductions at HHS impact researchers, scientists, doctors and staff that have long provided expert guidance on healthcare issues. Locally, the funding cuts have closed area programs—such as a mobile vaccine clinic and Head Start. On April 1, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office joined with 23 other states in a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against the grant terminations.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Many of you have asked for information regarding travel. When planning to leave or re-enter the United States, we recommend that all U.S. visa holders carry their immigration documents with them and U.S. permanent residents should have their green cards readily available, in addition to proof of current student enrollment, proof of employment, faculty appointment letter or continuation of scholar appointment. You can also consult the UW Resources for International Scholars site and the ACLU Know Your Rights site for more information.
- Research: To date, there have been fewer than 20 research project terminations. While this is a relatively low number, it is devastating to the researchers on this work. Funding delays continue, and the Government Relations team is supporting us by advocating with the legislature. Please share your stories of how delays and terminations impact your research at rgeadmin@uw.edu so we can amplify them.
- Non-Research Grant Funding: If you receive notice that a non-research grant must certify to federal conditions, please reach out to your chair or executive leader before you respond. As with research grants, we can help make sure that you are supported and accurate in your response.
Please remember to check the UW Medicine Federal Policy Updates site for updates. As you have questions and comments, please submit them to the Federal Policy Updates Feedback Form.
I am heartened by the strength of our community and the care you show our patients and each other. Thank you for doing the hard work of being present for those we serve during this time of uncertainty.
Sincerely,
Timothy H. Dellit, MD (He, Him, His)
CEO, UW Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Paul G. Ramsey Endowed Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington
