News
Nation's first state-run long-term care insurance program about to launch in WA
2+ hour, 9+ min ago (1106+ words) It's a landmark moment for the endeavor known as WA Cares, envisioned as a means to help Washington's workforce afford long-term care and services as they age. Starting July 8, insurance coverage through the state-run program will begin. Dozens of applications…...
States face tight timeline as feds unveil new Medicaid work requirement rules
4+ week, 5+ hour ago (420+ words) The federal government recently'released'new'guidance on how states should roll out the Medicaid work requirements that will affect healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. The new interim rule, issued by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is intended to give…...
Where Affordable Care Act insurance coverage has dropped most in WA
1+ mon, 6+ hour ago (1019+ words) Washington's rural counties saw the largest drops in insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act after the Republican-controlled Congress failed to extend subsidies that helped consumers afford the plans. About 250, 000 Washingtonians are enrolled this year through the'Washington Health Benefit Exchange,…...
Individual health insurance rates could rise 22. 4% in 2027
1+ mon, 5+ day ago (226+ words) Time to start preparing to budget more for your health insurance premiums next year if you'don't'receive coverage through your employer.' Thirteen health insurance companies have requested an average rate change of 22. 4% for Washington state's 2027 individual health insurance market, according to…...
WA's public option grows as overall healthcare enrollment shrinks
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (293+ words) Total enrollment on the state's exchange dropped by about 13% this year after federal financial help expired, causing premiums to rise and pushing some people to cancel coverage." "We were subsidizing in places that made sense so that it was more…...
Many middle-income families spend at least a tenth of their income on health insurance
4+ mon, 2+ week ago (568+ words) Shortages of primary care providers lead to long wait times for patients and increased burden on health care facilities. Dr. Aaron Richardson works with a patient. More than half of working-age adults get their health insurance through an employer, but…...
New law will lower health care costs for WA state employees
11+ mon, 2+ week ago (379+ words) As federal Medicaid cuts loom, consumer advocates are celebrating Washington's new bill limiting hospital prices for state and'public school'employees.' Sam'Hatzenbeler, legislative director for the Economic Opportunity Institute, said public and school employees pay more than twice what the federal government…...
Financial woes, tax questions dog WA family, medical leave program
9+ mon, 3+ day ago (250+ words) Washington state's paid family and medical leave program is facing challenges on multiple fronts, from solvency issues to unexpected tax liabilities for workers and employers." First instituted in 2019 at a premium rate of 0. 4%,"the paid family and medical leave (PFML)…...