Category Archives: health care

Maine Builds Universal Health Coverage, But Will Employers Come?

Maine’s Governor Baldacci made health care a central issue of his campaign, frequently referring to Maine’s “health care crisis” during speeches. Over 180,000 Mainers are without health care coverage, and the state faces rapidly rising health care costs. Dirigo Health, the centerpiece of Governor Baldacci’s legislative agenda, follows several years of significant health care advancesContinue reading “Maine Builds Universal Health Coverage, But Will Employers Come?”

Medicaid: Someone You Know Needs It – The Impact of Medicaid Spending on …

… King County’s Economy … Snohomish County’s Economy … the Economies of Pierce and Thurston Counties … Spokane County’s Economy This series of reports provide overviews of the important contributions Medicaid make to the economies of and the quality of life in various counties. Medicaid spending directly purchases goods and services, and supports health careContinue reading “Medicaid: Someone You Know Needs It – The Impact of Medicaid Spending on …”

No End in Sight: The War on the Poor Continues in Montana

Over the past five years, Montana’s Legislature passed large tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy. Montana ends the legislative session basically where it began: with an unstable revenue stream and deep cuts to public programs that worsen economic conditions, increase the state’s long term costs and budget problems, and shred Montana’s safety netContinue reading “No End in Sight: The War on the Poor Continues in Montana”

Reverse Washington State’s Health Care Inequalities: Make the Health of People of Color a Priority of Government

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”

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”

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”

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”