Montana’s Urban Indians Face Health Care Barriers

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. This research shows that barriers are both formidable and common.

Bar to a Healthy Future: Stories of the Immigrant Children Left Behind

This publication describes the experiences of just a few of the children who are left behind by the 1996 (pre-SCHIP) immigration-related restrictions. It also tells the stories of not-so-different children who have benefited from the wise investment in health insurance that should be available to all our young people.

The Reality of Washington’s Uninsured: Recommendations for Providing Secure, Affordable Health Care for All Washington Residents

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.

Charitable Mission Unknown: Non-Profit Nursing Homes Fall Short of Community Benefit Standards

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 all non-profit nursing homes should have a plan to offer community benefits.

Why Idaho Should Raise the Minimum Wage

Too many Idahoans are not making a living wage. Many families are supported by workers in minimum wage jobs. The minimum wage today, $5.15 an hour, is at its lowest real value since 1956. Today’s minimum wage is less than half a living wage for a single person, and less than a quarter of the wage a person would need to support a family of four. Two adults would have to work three full-time minimum wage jobs each to make a living wage for themselves and two children.

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In Search of Quality Care: Low-Income Seniors Left Behind

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.

A Forgotten Authority: The Washington Health Care Facilities Authority is Failing in Its Primary Purpose: To Make Quality Health Care Affordable for Washingtonians

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.

2006 Northwest Health Gap Study: Quality Health Insurance Out of Reach for Small Businesses

The Health Gap Study involves a survey of nearly 400 small businesses in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on their experiences in the health insurance market. It addresses issues of rising costs and declining quality of coverage, along with small businesspeople preferences for future reform.

Listening Sessions Report: A Community and Police Partnership to Eliminate Racial Profiling

This report reflects a unique collaboration between the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Action, Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, the Center for Intercultural Organizing and the Northwest Constitutional Rights Center, who came together to create an opportunity for dialogue between community members and Portland police on the issue of racial profiling.