Blog
November FTAC Recap: Can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear
November 21, 2023
By Consuelo Echeverria In Nov, the FTAC addressed the UHCC request to focus on Coverage/Enrollment with an in-depth explanation of how Medicaid works in WA and potential opportunities for Medicaid under a universal health care system. While Medicaid in WA certainly is trying to...
Read More2nd Wednesday Speaker Series Spotlight on Immigrant Health
November 21, 2023
By Ron Lovell In November’s Second Wednesday Speaker Series, Sasha Wasserstrom, Policy Director at Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington state. Sasha highlighted the coverage and gaps of the landmark 1332 waiver that provides health care for immigrants regardless...
Read MoreUniversal Health Care October Meeting Recap
November 16, 2023
UHCC Advocacy Pays Off; eternal vigilance is the price By Marcia Stedman With 2 years and 14 meetings under their belts, the Commissioners have finally found their voices. Nearly half of the Commission members were absent from the recent October 12th meeting, but those who...
Read MoreWhat is Medicare Advantage?
November 16, 2023
By Ron Lovell Medicare Advantage (MA) is a type of health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide Medicare Parts A and B benefits. These plans are also known as “Part C” or “MA Plans”. Medicare pays these private companies...
Read MoreFinally, a vision! Universal Health Care Commission August Meeting Recap
November 15, 2023
By Marcia Stedman We are pleased to report that at the August 10 meeting (#13), after years of continued public comments urging the Universal Health Care Commission (UHCC) to set a vision, legislators requested that the UHCC view the Washington Health Trust (WHT) bill...
Read MoreOctober 31, 2023
Do we have the power to negotiate drug prices? Highlights from the HCFA-WA 2023 Annual Educational Conference and Meeting By Consuelo Echeverria An unprecedented increase in pharmaceutical drug prices has left many Washingtonians unable to pay for their medications. On the other hand, Pfizer...
Read MoreSeptember FTAC Meeting: All about ERISA!
September 29, 2023
State based universal health care, large employers and ERISA By Consuelo Echeverria September’s FTAC meeting was jam packed. We had Bill Kramer discuss large employers’ perspectives on State-based universal health care (SBUHC) and Erin Fuse Brown on ERISA considerations for the UHCC. Mr. Kramer...
Read MoreBuilding Bridges Between Oregon and Washington Healthcare Advocates
September 29, 2023
by Marcia Stedman Washington and Oregon lead the nation in developing universal state-based single-payer healthcare, and we’re collaborating! In mid-July, 23 health justice leaders representing 14 organizations across both states gathered in Seattle and virtually to discuss the current status of our single-payer efforts...
Read MoreJuly Finance Technical Advisory Committee meeting: The barrier that is ERISA
August 29, 2023
By Consuelo Echeverria The July meeting of the Financial Technical Advisory Committee (FTAC) was the second of three deep dives into the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974. While there is much to digest in Harvard’s Center for Health Law and Policy...
Read MoreUniversal Health Care Commission June Meeting: The Commission is moving at a snail’s pace but help is on the way!
August 28, 2023
After the start date of Nov. 30, 2021 there is a lack of momentum and urgency in creating a universal health care system. There is still no unified vision or goal and the lack of a deadline or a clear mandate from the legislature...
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