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.
Category Archives: Publications
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”
Searching For Work That Pays: 2004 Northwest Job Gap Study
Northwest Job Gap Study Idaho Job Gap Study Montana Job Gap Study Oregon Job Gap Study Washington Job Gap Study The Northwest Job Gap Study calculates a basic family budget for different family structures. Based on this “living wage,” the study then estimates the number and proportion of job openings that provide a sufficient wageContinue reading “Searching For Work That Pays: 2004 Northwest Job Gap Study”
Hunger In South Dakota: And What State Leaders Can Do About It
Low-income families in South Dakota are struggling. They are struggling to find jobs that pay a living wage. They are struggling to pay rising utility, housing, and health care costs. And, they are struggling with the basic task of putting food on their tables. This study, the first of its kind, examines the food securityContinue reading “Hunger In South Dakota: And What State Leaders Can Do About It”
Setting the Tone for Health Care Cuts: Governor Martz and Montana’s Public Health Care Redesign
In July 2003, Montana Governor Judy Martz appointed the state’s Public Health Care Advisory Council, kicking off a health care redesign process that could affect the health and well-being of all Montanans. The advisory council is working with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services on recommendations to the 2005 Legislature regarding Medicaid, theContinue reading “Setting the Tone for Health Care Cuts: Governor Martz and Montana’s Public Health Care Redesign”
Confronting Barriers: Stories of Oregon Food Stamp Applicants
Many Oregon residents have lost access to public programs because of recent deep budget cuts, including major cuts to public health care programs. The Food Stamp Program is increasingly important as many Oregon families face difficult times and increased medical costs. In this report, several food stamp applicants describe their experiences and the barriers theyContinue reading “Confronting Barriers: Stories of Oregon Food Stamp Applicants”
Pull the Plug on Idaho Power’s Rate Increase: Idaho Families Need Rate Relief, Not Rate Hikes
In October 2003, Idaho Power filed a rate increase application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Idaho Power’s request, as the PUC staff determined, is a gross overestimate of its actual needs – over $70 million more than Idaho Power could justify! Idaho families are struggling to make ends meet and pay power billsContinue reading “Pull the Plug on Idaho Power’s Rate Increase: Idaho Families Need Rate Relief, Not Rate Hikes”