This report analyzes the Medicaid waiver proposed by the Governor and the Department of Health and Welfare. This report predicts that, for those who rely on Medicaid, the proposal will lead to increased costs, may restrict benefits, and is likely to cause many people to forgo needed medical care. The waiver is also likely toContinue reading “Don’t Waiver on Medicaid: Governor Kempthorne’s Proposal for Medicaid Puts Idaho at Risk”
Category Archives: health care
Dollars Well Spent? The Need for Transparency in the Health Insurance Market
This report provides an overview of how health insurer practices such as “cherry picking” are largely overlooked by state regulators. These practices are harmful overall and generate costs to the health care system.
People or Profits? Providence St. Peter Hospital Fails in its Charitable Mission
In 2005, Washington Citizen Action (WCA), a statewide grassroots membership-based organization, began to investigate complaints from its constituents about the billing practices at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. While WCA heard few complaints about the quality of care provided by the staff at Providence St. Peter’s, many uninsured and underinsured patients have expressed concernsContinue reading “People or Profits? Providence St. Peter Hospital Fails in its Charitable Mission”
Closing the Gap: Solutions to Race-Based Health Disparities
The report documents the persistent problems experienced by communities of color attempting to access health care services across the nation. With a review of the latest research on health disparities, in-depth field research and comprehensive case studies, Closing the Gap reinvigorates the debate over what may be the nation’s greatest public health challenge – theContinue reading “Closing the Gap: Solutions to Race-Based Health Disparities”
2005 Northwest Health Gap Study
Between high wage earners who have comprehensive employer-based health benefits, and the low-income people who are covered through public health programs, lies a rapidly growing population with no coverage or inadequate coverage. These people are in the health gap. Download the report.
Insure Idaho! The Private Health Insurance System is Failing Idaho’s Families and Small Businesses
More and more Idahoans have no health insurance. And more and more insured Idahoans are insured only on paper. The health insurance crisis has serious consequences for the physical well-being of Idahoans, for the financial security of families, and for the overall economic viability of the state. Download the report.
The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Pooling Rx Purchases in Idaho
Prescription drug costs are rising rapidly across the nation and in all types of health care programs. To deal with these costs, many states have started negotiating lower prescription drug prices from the extremely profitable pharmaceutical companies – and they are already saving money. Larger volume purchasers can negotiate larger savings, so states are creatingContinue reading “The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Pooling Rx Purchases in Idaho”
Insuring an End to Idaho’s Health Care Crisis
Small businesses and individuals are struggling to keep up with increases in health insurance premiums. There is a widespread feeling that costs are rising, while quality declines. Idaho has a number of options for restoring accountability, transparency, and integrity in health insurance. Download the report.
Insuring an End to Montana’s Health Care Crisis
Small businesses and individuals are struggling to keep up with increases in health insurance premiums. There is a widespread feeling that costs are rising, while quality declines. Montana has a number of options for restoring accountability, transparency, and integrity in health insurance. Download the report.
The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Pooling Rx Purchases in Washington State
Prescription drug costs are rising rapidly across the nation and in all types of health care programs. To deal with these costs, many states have started negotiating lower prescription drug prices from the extremely profitable pharmaceutical companies – and they are already saving money. Larger volume purchasers can negotiate larger savings, so states are creatingContinue reading “The Best Medicine at the Best Price: Pooling Rx Purchases in Washington State”