Nationwide, people of color are at a greater risk of being uninsured than are whites, and they face many more obstacles to accessing the health care they need. The disparities in the availability of quality health care are mirrored by poorer health outcomes among people of color. Although Washington is considered a leader in healthContinue reading “Reverse Washington State’s Health Care Inequalities: Make the Health of People of Color a Priority of Government”
Author Archives: Alliance for a Just Society
Cut Costs Not Services: Oregon Strategies for Lowering Rx Costs and Protecting Public Health Care Programs
While some states have pursued strategies that harm consumers and do not address rising prescription drug prices, other states have started negotiating with drug companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs and are already saving money. By using multi-agency and multi-state prescription drug purchasing pools and/or preferred drug lists, states have projected or realizedContinue reading “Cut Costs Not Services: Oregon Strategies for Lowering Rx Costs and Protecting Public Health Care Programs”
Freed Today, Hungry Tomorrow: An Assessment of the Drug Felony Disqualification in Washington’s Food Stamp Program
This report documents the harmful effects of Washington State’s policy of denying food stamps to former drug felons. This report identifies which groups are most hurt by the drug felony disqualification and illustrates how this policy is unsound.
Stamp Out Hunger: Invest in Food Stamps, Invest in Montana’s Families and Economy
The Food Stamp Program is one of the most cost-effective public assistance programs available to states. This is because the federal government covers the entire cost of food stamp benefits, and states only pay half of the administrative costs. By increasing food stamp allocations, Montana could ensure that people have sufficient food. Such an increaseContinue reading “Stamp Out Hunger: Invest in Food Stamps, Invest in Montana’s Families and Economy”
The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Proven State Strategies for Lowering Rx Costs and Protecting Public Health Care Programs
Prescription drugs are a top driver Medicaid budgets in Northwest states. Many strategies have been implemented and proposed that harm consumers and do not address rising prescription drug prices. By using multi-agency and multi-state prescription drug purchasing pools, states in the Northwest can save 5 to 15 percent of their total prescription drug costs. DownloadContinue reading “The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Proven State Strategies for Lowering Rx Costs and Protecting Public Health Care Programs”
Restore Adult Dental Care – Restore Idaho’s Dignity
In April 2002 the Idaho Legislature eliminated adult dental care from the Medicaid program leaving participants without access to affordable dental services. Why Idaho needs to restore dental services. Download the report.
Raise the Roof: Empowering Oregon Communities for Affordable Housing
Over the last decade, Oregon’s economy has exploded with the creation of new jobs and massive migration from California and other states. This economic boom has dramatically increased housing costs. Meanwhile, federal funding for affordable housing has declined. There are many proven strategies available to Oregon communities that can be used to alleviate the problemContinue reading “Raise the Roof: Empowering Oregon Communities for Affordable Housing”
Stop the War on the Poor: Montana’s Public Programs Under Siege
Projected general fund deficits in Montana coupled with proposed Medicaid cuts by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will shred Montana’s safety net – eliminating many of the supports Montana’s poorest families need to live safe, healthy and productive lives. Cuts only worsen economic conditions, increasing the state’s long term costs andContinue reading “Stop the War on the Poor: Montana’s Public Programs Under Siege”
Faces and Stories of U.S. Immigrants: Raising Our Voices to Unite Families and Strengthen Communities to Realize the Dream of Justice, Freedom, and Opportunity
Immigrants today face many obstacles to obtaining education, fair working conditions and basic privileges. These policy changes could help lessen the struggles they face. Download the report.
Invest in Medicaid, Strengthen Families
Personal stories of how Medicaid has improved the lives of low-income families and what should be done to protect and improve Medicaid. Download the report.