WSMA Reports: January-February 2026

A Tough Road Ahead: WSMA 2026 Budget Priorities

Access to care and practice sustainability remain top concerns as physicians face a tightening state budget landscape. For our January-February WSMA Reports feature story, writer Rita Colorito talks with WSMA leaders on how the association plans on pursuing its legislative agenda in the face of an ever-increasing and severe budget deficit, fueled by sluggish tax revenue and looming massive federal cuts to the state’s Medicaid program, known as Apple Health.

For our secondary feature, writer John Gallagher gives readers a preview of 2026 proposed WSMA-priority legislation that would end patient confusion about who is providing their care by adding degrees to health care professionals’ badges and in advertising—a long- sought priority for our members.

For our Physicians Insurance risk-management column, we’re doing something a bit different—we’re introducing WSMA members to PI’s newest presidentand CEO, who also happens to be a physician. Dr. Carlson introduces himself to WSMA members and sheds light upon the perspectives he will bring to his new role as Physicians Insurance’s first physician CEO.

Download the January-February 2026 WSMA Reports.

Also in the issue:

• Member spotlight on John Scott, MD, MSc, FIDSA.
• Jens Metzger, MD, is our doctor making a difference.
• Independent practices face financial uncertainties—a look by the numbers.
• Heartbeat by Gregory Engel, MD.
• And more.

This issue’s cover illustration is by Daniel Crespo.

WSMA Reports is WSMA’s flagship magazine, published six times a year as an exclusive member benefit, with each issue containing news, analysis, and opinion for the physician community in Washington state.

For WSMA members who would also like to receive a print copy of the magazine, email us with your preferred postal address and we’ll add you to our mailing list.