An American Debt Unpaid: Stories of Native Health shares the experiences of Native people struggling to get the health care they need. The contributors provide personal accounts of their efforts to be treated with respect by practitioners, as well as their fight to improve the health and well being of their communities.
The Health Equity Challenge: People of Color are Living Sicker and Dying Younger in California
Across California and nationwide, health care reform has become a key priority. Health disparities harm all members of a community, and securing a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for everyone in America requires attention to racial disparities in health care. This report discusses some of the key health disparities in California and the United States and makes recommendations for addressing those disparities.
Equal Treatment? Seattle Hospitals Put to the Test
Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes constitute a crisis, one that requires the attention of health care providers, policymakers, and communities alike. In Seattle and across the nation, people of color suffer from higher rates of illness and mortality than their white counterparts. Health care institutions play a critical role in exacerbating or minimizing health disparities. This report analyzes the policies and practices of Seattle hospitals to determine how hospitals are serving, or failing to serve, people of color in our city.
Taking the Pulse of Main Street: Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform
Small business owners are considered a key voice in the public dialogue over health care reform. But where do small business owners stand on the issue? Taking the Pulse of Main Street reports results from a survey of 1,200 small business owners’ experiences with health insurance and perspectives on different reform proposals. The results show small business owners want real health reform, are willing to contribute, and want a quality public insurance option.
The 2008 Job Gap: Tough Times for Northwest Families
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 wage to support and individual or a family’s basic needs without relying on public assistance.
Insuring Health or Ensuring Profit?: A Snapshot of the Health Insurance Industry in the United States
The private health insurance industry is reaping record financial gains while people throughout the U.S. are struggling to meet their health care needs. This report takes a look at recent financial trends in our country’s health insurance industry, with information on national insurance companies and insurers in 26 states. The report recommends greater public oversight of insurers and the creation of a public alternative to private insurance.
Insuring Health or Ensuring Profit?: A Look at the Financial Gains of Washington State’s Health Insurers
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.
The Race for Wages, Living Wage Jobs in the Current Economy: 2007 Northwest Job Gap Study
This report takes a close look at jobs that currently exist in the economy, and brings to the forefront the question of whether these jobs are providing wages that can truly support individuals and families.
The Small Business Health Care Crisis in Washington: A Survey of Pike Place Market Businesses
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.
2007 Northwest Job Gap Study: Living in the Red
- Northwest Family Budgets Falling Behind
- Idaho Family Budgets Falling Behind
- Montana Family Budgets Falling Behind
- Oregon Family Budgets Falling Behind
- Washington Family Budgets Falling Behind
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 wage to support and individual or a family’s basic needs without relying on public assistance.