The open enrollment deadline for insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is Sunday, Jan. 31. Those who sign up by the deadline will be insured as of March 1, avoiding costly penalties in time for tax season.... Read More >>
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) received about 175 global waiver proposals to transform Medicaid. Proposals can be grouped into categories, including behavioral health, care coordination for high utilizer follow-up to chronic care, family planning and pregnancy, chronic conditions, value-based purchasing; telemedicine, housing and social supports, dental care, and end-of-life planning. Click here to view the HCA’s website listing the received proposals.... Read More >>
The Bree Collaborative — a group appointed by the governor representing clinical leaders from purchasers, providers and state agencies — released its latest draft report and recommendations on improvements in oncology care. The report has two primary focus areas: That all clinics follow the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Choosing Wisely recommendations for use of advanced imaging for low-risk breast and prostate cancer, and that palliative care be offered alongside active anti-cancer care, as needed.... Read More >>
We are very thankful for everyone who came down to testify! Your testimony is essential for helping legislators and the public to understand the real impact of proposed legislation.... Read More >>
A summary of the bills WSHA will testify on from Jan. 25-29... Read More >>
The King County Superior Court ruled last week that Initiative 1366 is unconstitutional. I-1366 — from Tim Eyman — would decrease the state sales tax by 1 percent in April if the legislature did not pass a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority to raise taxes. The state sales tax loss would have taken $1.4 billion out of the state budget in its first year.... Read More >>
Frustrated by recent safety findings by the federal government and the decision to postpone the opening of new units, the state House and Senate have held several hearings to understand the plan for improving Western State Hospital. Legislation has been introduced to create a legislative oversight committee, and many questions are being raised about how to move forward.... Read More >>
This morning, the House Health Care & Wellness Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 2730, which expands access to the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to all licensed providers who can prescribe legend drugs, and making it easier for providers within hospitals to access PMP data. ... Read More >>
WSHA submitted four global waiver proposals to the state Health Care Authority (HCA) on ways to transform Medicaid and improve care for patients. HCA released a broad call for proposals to assist in identifying areas the state will pursue in a global waiver to draw down $3 billion from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).... Read More >>
Pierce County will soon have a new psychiatric hospital. The Washington State Department of Health has approved the Certificate of Need application from CHI Franciscan Health and MultiCare Health System to jointly build and operate a $41 million, 120-bed non-profit psychiatric hospital in Tacoma. ... Read More >>
