Category Archives: health care

Washington State’s major health insurers are reaping record financial gains while covering fewer people. This report takes a look at recent financial trends in Washington’s health insurance industry, recommending greater public oversight of insurers and the creation of a public alternative to private insurance.

Not even businesses in Seattle’s bustling, popular, and iconic Pike Place Market are immune from the health care crisis affecting small businesses across the country. Read about these owners’ experiences with health insurance, perspectives on reform, and support for public solutions.

Indian people in Montana have long confronted barriers that prevent them from accessing needed care. The Northwest Federation of Community Organizations conducted research to determine what these barriers are and how commonly people encounter them. Research staff conducted a review of data, articles, and research studies and conducted in-depth interviews with 46 Missoula residents. ThisContinue reading “Montana’s Urban Indians Face Health Care Barriers”

This report provides an accurate picture of the uninsured, addressing common misperceptions of this population. The report then provides policy recommendations for comprehensive reform that will make health insurance accessible to all Washington residents.

Communities across Washington support their nonprofit health care institutions. They do so, however, with the understanding that in return, these institutions will provide specific community health benefits. This report looks at non-profit nursing homes across Washington to determine whether or not they are providing an adequate community benefit. It goes on to suggest that allContinue reading “Charitable Mission Unknown: Non-Profit Nursing Homes Fall Short of Community Benefit Standards”

This report analyzes nursing facilities in Washington and answers the question of whether facilities are put at a financial disadvantage by serving families who cannot afford to pay high out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, this report investigates the way Medicaid reimbursement rates are set and the effect private paying residents have on those rates.

This report analyzes the savings that nonprofit health care facilities receive due to financing through the WHCFA. Next, the report reviews what the various health care facilities that have borrowed money through the WHCFA claimed to have done with the savings. Finally, the report addresses what WHCFA has done to enforce the savings requirement.

This report provides an overview of the contributions Medicaid makes to the economy and the quality of life in Idaho. This analysis measures the economy-wide business activity, jobs, and income produced by Medicaid spending.