What's New
Washington State 2012 Legislative Session Updates
30 April 2012
The Legislature finished its work for the year on April 11th. All bills listed in the Legislative Summary passed the Legislature and were signed by the Governor (in some cases, she vetoed sections, as indicated on the summary). All items listed in the Budget Summary passed the Legislature but still await the Governor's signature or veto. NoHLA will send a final update when the Governor takes action. Unless otherwise noted in the bills or budget, any changes will take effect 90 days after the close of session.
Thanks to John Hodges-Howell, NoHLA's volunteer attorney, for preparing these materials.
Health Reform:
What's In It for Washington Women?
Updated 3/20/2012
Wondering how health reform will impact you and your family? Check out the newest resource in our "Spotlight on Women & Health Reform," and PDF fact sheet about how health reform is already at work in our state. Then join the National Women's Law Center and women from around the country to deliver the message: "I Will Not Be Denied! Protect Women's Health Care."
NoHLA's Spring 2012 Newsletter!
NoHLA Victory for Low-Income Immigrants in Basic Health Disenrollment Case!
In a significant court victory for NoHLA, co-counsel Riddell Williams, and our clients, federal judge James Robart granted our request for a Preliminary Injunction in a class action lawsuit challenging the disenrollment of immigrants from the state's Basic Health program in March 2011. The judge held that Washington State's actions in excluding these immigrants was likely to violate both the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Over 11,000 immigrants disenrolled in March will be offered the opportunity to re-enroll in early November, and "lawfully present" immigrants will once again be eligible for the program.
Read our media release and community information/training materials on implementation of the decision.
News articles:
Thank You!
To everyone who participated in The Seattle Foundation’s 2012 GiveBIG campaign and supported NoHLA's fight for health justice. Thanks to the efforts of so many who donated NoHLA was able to raise over $4,000, with additional money from the match pool on the way.
As an extra show of appreciation Washington News Council is offering ONE FREE BEER (or rootbeer for those under 21) who can SHOW PROOF that they donated on May 2 to ANY organization on The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG list.
To all our supportors who gaveBIG on May 2nd, NoHLA sincerely thanks you.
Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to achieve a seamless and equitable health care system, in which individuals are assured of basic rights and protections, and continuity of care, regardless of who they are and the type of health insurance they have.
Our work focuses on issues of concern to low-income individuals and families, particularly in Washington State. Please see NoHLA Advocacy for information about NoHLA's recent work.
NoHLA's work involves:
- Legal consultation to attorneys and advocates on public health insurance programs
- Legal and policy analysis
- Training and community education
- Legislative and administrative advocacy
"I am a Medicaid and Medicare recipient and a grassroots activist and leader. NoHLA represents people who otherwise would not have a voice in the legislative and rule making process. NoHLA is a leader in the fight for a better health care system, which is so desperately needed." ~ Suzanne C. Stauffer