Work group examines feasibility of universal health care
The state Health Care Exchange last month approved new “Cascade Care” health plans under a state law approved last year that sought to address...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Washington’s Consumer Database On Medical Costs Faces Fiscal Challenge
As Washington state prepares for the fall 2017 launch of its public-facing database on comparative costs and quality of different medical procedures, some of...
2017 Launch Eyed For Washington Consumer Database On Medical Procedures
Washington state is making progress on a planned All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) that officials now say could be ready by Fall 2017. State legislators and other stakeholders agree the state's APCD would...
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,...
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...
