Expanding the income eligibility for the medical assistance program.

SB 5946 would expand Washington's medical assistance program eligibility to include individuals with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (adjusted annually for family size). This change would directly affect low-income residents who currently earn above the existing income threshold but fall within this new range. The bill requires the Health Care Authority to submit a state plan amendment to federal Medicaid authorities by July 1, 2027, to implement this expanded eligibility. The policy change would allow more people to enroll in the state's medical assistance program without altering the program's existing structure.