We are very thankful for everyone who comes to Olympia to testify! Your testimony is essential for helping legislators and the public to understand the real impact of proposed legislation.... Read More >>
hile the future of the Affordable Care Act is in doubt, our local health insurance marketplace — Washington Healthplanfinder — has become more popular than ever. This year, more than 225,000 Washingtonians purchased a plan on the marketplace, marking a 13 percent increase from the year before. Kudos to the leadership of Washington Healthplanfinder for their outstanding work in helping people get the coverage and care they need!... Read More >>
State law requires all hospitals provide charity care to help families that struggle with large hospital bills as a result of significant injuries and illnesses. In the past, each hospital developed its own, slightly different process to inform patients and determine if a patient qualified. The variation in notice and forms made it harder for patients to know about and receive financial assistance.... Read More >>
In comments submitted February 2, WSHA asked for additional information on the state’s plans to create new reports from its all payer claims database. The contractor for the database has proposed creation of six reports for the upcoming year. The reports include a facility-based price and quality comparison on “shoppable” inpatient and outpatient procedures, such as vaginal delivery and knee arthroscopy. WSHA expressed its support for the database but asked for additional information on factors used to ensure fair comparisons.... Read More >>
WSHA staff will be heading to Washington, D.C., for the American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Meeting May 7-10, and you’re invited to join us! The Senate will be in town (though the House will not), and we will also use the trip to schedule meetings with congressional staff members as well as senators, if possible.... Read More >>
In a February 2 letter to the Health Care Authority, WSHA thanked the agency for its work on a proposed project toolkit. WSHA expressed its appreciation that the toolkit defines and narrows the focus of projects for the nine Accountable Communities of Health (ACH). Each of the ACHs will be asked to submit specific proposals using the toolkit in the near future. These proposals will be funded using the additional $1.2 billion in federal funds approved under the state’s waiver.... Read More >>
Seven members of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) will complete their terms at the end of June. The commission is now seeking applicants to fill the vacant positions, and Governor Inslee will appoint members to serve four-year terms.... Read More >>
While our country seeks to find a path forward on immigration, Washington State’s hospitals and health systems are focused on the people who are right in front of us, needing our care. We stand united to serve patients and communities.... Read More >>
According to a new analysis, the governor’s proposed budget cuts to hospital-based clinics are estimated to be about $75 million per year. Under the proposal, the cuts would affect all services provided in off-campus hospital department locations, and the payment amounts would be reduced to about half of what is currently paid for these services, considerably below the cost of care.... Read More >>
Washington State's mental health care system is not meeting all the needs of our growing communities. Several bills being introduced this week could help make more services available. HB 1546 and SB 5434 (companion bills) would allow general-acute care and freestanding psychiatric community hospitals to voluntarily provide long-term, court-ordered mental health services, allowing patients to get care closer to home where there is more support from friends and family.... Read More >>
