Support Affordable Health Care in Washington

Support Affordable Health Care in Washington

On Wednesday in testimony to the House Health Committee, Erica and Jed described their struggles to meet the high cost of health insurance premiums each month, and the restrictions high deductibles placed on their access to needed health care.

Cascade Care will reduce the amount that Washingtonians like Erica and Jed pay for health insurance and deductibles, will offer high quality care, and create an achievable pathway to universal coverage.

Let’s tell our legislators that Washington families deserve affordable health care and urge them to pass HB 1523 and SB 5526.

Cascade Care:

Reduces the amount Washingtonians pay for health insurance on the Individual Market
Creates a standard plan on the Exchange that limits out-of-pocket expenses
Caps provider reimbursements at Medicare rates
Offers more services before reaching the deductible
Institutes predictable cost sharing measures
Requires the Health Care Authority to develop a plan to fund premium subsidies for lower- and middle-income households
Establishes quality benchmarks to ensure patients receive comprehensive care

Washington State’s individuals and families are struggling to pay for health insurance. Patients are dropping health coverage at an alarming rate due to skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs. The average deductible is above $9,000 per year. Health care has become simply out-of-reach for our residents.

In early January Governor Inslee publicly endorsed Cascade Care.

Learn more about Cascade Care and read our most current blogs on Why Americans Pay More Than Any Other Wealthy Nation for Health Care and Washington Legislature Considers Affordable Health Option.

Subject: Support Affordable Health Care in Washington HB 1523
Dear Legislator,

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Too many families and individuals are struggling to cover insurance premiums and access needed health care services because of high out-of-pocket costs. The United States outspends peer countries on health care, but health costs continue to soar while services and quality decline. In 2016, the U.S. spent $9,892 annually per person – more than any other wealthy nation and more than twice the average of the 35 nations in the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The cost of health coverage is an urgent issue the Legislature must address. Out-of-pocket costs prevent Washingtonians from seeking needed medical care. Cascade Care, HB 1523 and SB 5526, is a critical step to address runaway medical costs and eliminate barriers to maintaining and improving health, while establishing the infrastructure for universal coverage.

Cascade Care, HB 1523 and SB 5526:

- Reduces the amount that Washingtonians pay for individual health insurance
    -Provides a new standard insurance plan on the Exchange that caps out-of-pocket expenses
    -Caps reimbursement rates for providers
    -Uses existing infrastructures to leverage federal subsidies and control costs

The Economic Opportunity Institute (EOI) manages this page. You can contact EOI at info@eoionline.org.

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