Healthcare For All
Two Bills In The Washington State Legislature May Make This A Reality
By WSI Healthcare Team
The uncertainty of healthcare coverage in America is a policy choice, not a foregone conclusion. And with federal cuts on the way, Washington healthcare is in crisis. Washington will be one of the states most hard-hit by cuts to healthcare in the coming years and our neighbors, friends, and families are already struggling to pay for medical expenses. So, we should be asking our representatives and state leaders: What is the plan?
Nearly 2 million Washingtonians rely on Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program. In a few months’ time, approved Congressional cuts will force hospital closures, 450,000 residents will lose coverage, and 150,000 people relying on subsidies will be priced out of the exchange – monthly rates double or triple the previous amounts have already been reported. Among that number are 800,000 children and 105,000 Washington residents who depend on Medicaid for long-term care, including nursing home residents and people with disabilities. These drastic cuts will lead to large cost increases in healthcare and insurance for all Washington residents.
Our state leaders know this is devastating to Washington residents. Governor Ferguson has stated that these cuts, designed as tax breaks for the richest Americans, will lead vulnerable Washingtonians to lose access to healthcare. And with federal leadership unwilling to support citizens’ access to healthcare, it is up to the states to serve their constituents. We've heard the dire consequences and blame, but we haven't heard a plan.
As the threat of losing healthcare coverage looms, now is the time to act and imagine a different policy choice. With the establishment of the West Coast Health Alliance, we are already divesting ourselves from a reliance on federal support. We should go farther. Let’s pass universal health care!
There is already a bill in the state legislature that offers a solution to Washington residents losing their healthcare. The Washington Health Trust (SB 5335/HB 1445) would enable any Washington resident to enroll in comprehensive healthcare. The proposal saves the state billions because it shifts costs from a profit-motivated industry that denies care to an employer funded trust dedicated to paying our medical expenses. We can cut services and programs and suffer from lack of federal funding, or we can cut out the middleman and pass universal healthcare.
Grassroots advocates for the Washington Health Trust, like Whole Washington, have worked hard since 2017 to make the Health Trust a realistic option. In partnership with Whole Washington, the Washington State Healthcare Authority has put out a recent report to the legislature establishing enrollment and eligibility guidelines, funding mechanisms and more. All results indicate that the bill is viable, practical, and feasible. It is possible to provide healthcare for all Washington residents!
Imagine never having to worry about healthcare coverage. Never having to worry about losing your job for fear of losing your health insurance too. Imagine that this system is cheaper for taxpayers than the current system, that this system is easier to navigate. This could be a reality for Washington residents.
We are at a crossroads and Washington has a golden opportunity to lead the nation by making universal healthcare a reality for all its residents. We should urge our elected officials to not let this opportunity pass by and to act boldly and decisively, because every Washingtonian deserves access to care, without fear, without delay, and without financial hardship. This is our moment to rise to the challenge. Let Washington set the standard for what is possible when a state chooses to prioritize the health and dignity of its people. We call on our leaders: Don’t let this historic chance slip away. Pass the Washington Health Trust. Make us the first state to deliver universal healthcare. What are we waiting for?
