Work group may favor “gradual” approach to single-payer health care
The state Universal Health Care Work Group is working on a new report update for the state legislature outlining end goals to pursue, ultimately...
COVID-19 and the role of telehealth
The state legislature since 2015 has explored the concept of telemedicine – i part to improve healthcare access for rural communities. With the onset...
The free market is the way forward—on biopharmaceuticals and most everything else
What is America’s greatest strength in fighting COVID-19? Our biopharmaceutical industry, including the many important companies located here in Washington State.
Since the virus arrived...
Analyst says healthcare system “at crossroads”
Within the debate over healthcare reform in the U.S. are conflicting philosophies regarding how the system should operate and who ultimately should make health...
Is single payer health care a nonstarter?
Although Washington state’s Universal Health Care Work Group has yet to make formal recommendations to the state legislature on how to implement a single...
Work group to develop health system recommendations
A state Universal Health Care Work Group formed last year is working on recommendations to the state legislature regarding a universal, or single-payer, health...
Work group divided over universal healthcare
The state Universal Health Care Work Group has released its initial report to the legislature on the idea of a single-payer or “universal” state...
Premera announces rural healthcare access grants
Healthcare insurance provider Premera has announced an investment of $10.5 million in grants over four years to Washington State University’s (WSU) community-based medical school...
Healthcare “standardized” plan proposal passes
The Washington state lawmakers in the final days of session approved legislation intended to lower healthcare costs, but opponents say it will have the...
One step closer to socialized medicine?
In a 57-41 vote on Mar. 8, the Washington House approved ESSHB 1523 after an extended and heated discussion that at one point caused...
Seeking solutions to healthcare employment issues
Employers in Washington’s healthcare sector are struggling with the employment pipeline and retainment, especially in rural areas. Representatives from the sector are now recommending...
Charting a course to private health care coverage
Lawmakers have approved a measure which would guarantee individual market health care coverage in all counties in Washington, regardless of whether or not a...
House divided over individual provider bill
Lawmakers proved unwavering while discussing the passage of SB 6199 during House floor debate. There was a clear divide between Republicans and Democrats, with...
Individual provider bill controversial
Lawmakers opposed to SB 6911 are arguing the bill would take away the freedom of choice for individual home care providers when considering whether...
Adopting a national model for insurance companies
Under a new bill, insurance companies would be required to follow a national framework for managing and reporting their business activity.
Proponents of SB 5069...
Business stakeholders wary of reinsurance bill
Business representatives are voicing concerns that a new bill related to health care reinsurance would mean yet another cost burden on small businesses and...
Paving The Way For Top-Notch Physicians
A bill requiring Washington to join an interstate compact offering streamlined physician licenses is well on its way to becoming law. As of Wednesday,...
Inviting Skilled Medical Practitioners To Washington
A measure that would join Washington with 18 other states in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was met with favorable testimony in the a...
Reversing The ACA Meltdown: More Power To The People
An estimated 29,000 Washingtonians purchasing individual health plans will have to choose between one or two insurers within the state healthcare exchange for 2017,...
Critics: Washington Health Care Authority, Exchange Still Need To Shape Up
The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) administers the state Medicaid program, Apple Health. The Washington healthcare insurance marketplace, or "exchange," is called Healthplanfinder. It...
Telehealth Growing, But Needs A Boost
Over the next 10 to 15 years, Washington is expected to face a shortage of 3,000 to 4,000 doctors and 24,000 registered nurses. Already,...
Obama’s Public Option Panned
Concerned about consumer costs and under-enrollment, President Obama is asking Congress to consider a public option to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It would...
Prescribing Good Medicine For A Troubled Healthcare System, In Both Washingtons
Although the percent of Washingtonians without health insurance has dropped from 14.5 percent in 2012 to 7.3 percent in 2014, simply finding coverage isn’t...
