2008 Legislative Agenda
PROTECTING PRIVACY, IMPROVING AFFORDABILTY AND INCREASING ACCESS
Click here for the PDF version of our 2008 Legislative Agenda
CONTINUINING OUR COMMITMENT
Cover All Kids To Make the Next Generation Healthy – The coalition will continue to monitor and support full implementation of the law to cover all kids by 2010 and safeguard against any retreat on this effort.
TAKING ACTION ON IMMEDIATE NEEDS
The Problem – Pharmaceutical companies spend $3 billion annually to purchase the prescribing histories of physicians strictly for marketing purposes. This practice, called Data Mining, is usually done without physicians’ knowledge or consent and is overwhelmingly opposed by physicians. Data Mining erodes patient-doctor privacy, leads to inappropriate prescribing, undermines patient safety and drives up costs.
The 2008 Solution – The Prescription Privacy Bill (SB 6241 & HB 2664) will restrict pharmaceutical companies from purchasing physicians’ prescribing histories for marketing purposes.
The Problem – Washington is facing a severe shortage of primary care providers (personal physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants). In 2006, Washington had primary care shortages in nearly 40% of the state. This shortage threatens everyone’s ability to see their provider for needed care, treating chronic conditions and accessing preventive care.
The 2008 Solution – Increase funding of the Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program by $3 million. This increase will help the state to recruit and provide incentives for more physicians to enter the field of primary care. Immediate impact is estimated to draw 50 more providers into primary care per year and allow 100 more students per year to enter the profession.
The Problem - Insurance rates have been skyrocketing each year. The public needs to control the insurance industry’s ability to deny coverage and price Americans out of the healthcare system.
The 2008 Solution – Expand the Insurance Commissioner’s (OIC) authority to review and approve rates for the individual market. SB 5261 & HB 1234 increases the portion of the premium that insurance companies must pay for medical claims and limits the ability to raise rates without OIC approval.
AFFORDABLE CHOICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Problem – Increasingly small businesses and individuals are unable to get affordable health care coverage in Washington State.
The Solution – The legislature set up a pilot program in 2007 to assist small business owners in providing their employees with quality affordable healthcare coverage. This program is effective because there is a shared responsibility between the employee, the employer and the state. To ensure quality benefits we’re asking for full implementation of the approved subsidy from the state to assist low wage workers. Expansion of this purchasing partnership will serve small businesses and employees who are currently priced out of the market.
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
WASHINGTON HEALTH WORKING GROUP
HB 2536 and SB 6333 request funding for the creation of a work group to analyze alternative health care reform proposals and make recommendations to the 2009 Legislative body. This effort is a critical step in developing a future healthcare system that will make affordable quality healthcare available to all people in our state.
The Coalition is currently in the process of developing the 2009 Legislative Agenda