While 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!
What could those numbers look like next year? How many more of our neighbors could gain access to health insurance that they haven’t been able to get before? How many more may be able to get the reassurance that they can get the medical care they need?
We acknowledge that the ACA isn’t perfect, but the numbers are undeniable. More than 700,000 people in our state have benefited, and it has helped them live healthier lives. Some vocal critics of the ACA call the law a disaster. For those people who have gained health insurance, it has been a lifesaver. For hospitals, it has meant fewer people in crisis, and fewer people with no insurance.
As we look forward into an uncertain future, I encourage you to share the news of the positive effects the ACA has had on our communities, and let our leaders know about your first-hand experiences of how access to coverage truly makes a difference.
We understand change is likely coming for the ACA. Our true north is that our residents should have meaningful access to quality health care so they can live healthier lives. WSHA will continue to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle moving forward to support any legislation that will preserve or even expand access to care.
Sincerely,
Cassie Sauer
WSHA President & CEO
cassies@wsha.org
