Since its founding in 1999, Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA) has been a powerful voice for health care justice in Washington State. Over the years, NoHLA has worked tirelessly to expand access to care, protect the rights of patients, and promote equity across the health care system. The timeline below highlights key milestones in our journey—moments that reflect our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, background, or immigration status, can receive the care they need and deserve.

NoHLA plays a key role in the successful passage of Washington’s Patient Bill of Rights, securing stronger protections for patients and holding insurance companies accountable through new regulatory legislation.

NoHLA leads the “Don’t Waiver on Health Care” coalition—uniting consumers, advocates, and providers to successfully oppose a federal waiver that would have slashed Medicaid benefits in Washington.

Our advocacy prevents harmful changes like enrollment caps, increased cost-sharing, and reduced coverage for low-income residents.

NoHLA joins a statewide coalition to scrutinize Premera’s proposal to convert from nonprofit to for-profit status.

Through public education and advocacy, the coalition builds strong opposition—ultimately leading Premera to abandon the plan and preserving its nonprofit mission.

NoHLA pushes back against a legislative proposal to impose premiums on low-income children enrolled in Medicaid.

Thanks to strong advocacy, Governor Gregoire delays the plan—and it’s ultimately never implemented, preserving free coverage for thousands of families.

NoHLA and its coalition partners lead a successful advocacy campaign to expand access to Medicaid and CHIP for all children in Washington. The groundbreaking “Cover All Kids” law passes the legislature and quickly becomes a national model—paving the way for similar policies in states like Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin, with more following in the years ahead.

As the state faced deep health care budget cuts during the Great Recession, NoHLA stepped up—challenging harmful reductions, offering practical policy alternatives to lessen the impact, and providing trainings to help communities navigate the shifting landscape.

Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, NoHLA leads a multi-year effort to support its implementation in Washington State. We advocate for robust Medicaid expansion, a strong state-based Exchange, and meaningful consumer protections.

Thanks to these efforts, more than 3 million Washingtonians now benefit from expanded access to health care.

NoHLA, in partnership with Riddell Williams, files a class action lawsuit challenging the termination of immigrants from Washington’s Basic Health Plan. A federal court grants an injunction, temporarily restoring coverage for thousands and preventing improper terminations.

NoHLA plays a key role in overseeing the implementation of the court’s order, ensuring constitutional protections are upheld.

NoHLA defends critical Medicaid and safety net health care programs from harmful budget reductions.

In response to NoHLA’s advocacy, the Washington State Health Care Authority reverses a proposed cut to therapy services—preserving essential care for vulnerable communities.

NoHLA champions efforts to ensure that individuals leaving incarceration have immediate access to Medicaid—improving access to physical and behavioral health care, easing reentry into the community, and reducing recidivism.

This advocacy leads to the passage of 2016 legislation that streamlines enrollment, allowing hundreds to be covered upon release.

NoHLA leads advocacy to expand affordable coverage for low-wage workers just above Medicaid eligibility. These efforts build momentum for the creation of Cascade Care, Washington’s innovative program that includes state premium subsidies, more predictable out-of-pocket costs, and the nation’s first public option plan.

These reforms drive down uninsurance rates and lead to record-high enrollment in health coverage.

Partnering with NARAL, NoHLA conducts a “secret shopper” survey revealing that eight insurance carriers were providing inaccurate information about contraceptive coverage required under the ACA. The report prompts action from the Insurance Commissioner, leading insurers to correct their practices.

The findings make front-page news in The Seattle Times, spark national media attention, and inspire similar investigations in other states. The Washington Attorney General also investigates Molina Healthcare, resulting in improved transparency around birth control access.

NoHLA leads sustained efforts to improve hospital charity care policies and accountability. In 2016 and 2018, NoHLA and OneAmerica publish reports exposing deficiencies at Yakima Regional and Toppenish Hospitals. In 2017, NoHLA testifies in support of strengthening Washington’s charity care law.

By 2023, NoHLA collaborates with partners to propose major revisions to state charity care regulations—pushing for broader eligibility and stronger enforcement to ensure hospitals meet their obligations to low-income patients.

NoHLA shines a spotlight on the affordability challenges facing Medicare enrollees with its report, “The Medicare Cliff: How Washington State is Failing Seniors and People with Disabilities.” This advocacy sparks real change: in 2023, the state eliminates a burdensome asset test, expanding access to financial help.

In 2024, NoHLA’s legislative efforts lead to another major win—extending affordability assistance to over 10,000 additional Medicare enrollees across Washington.

We’re not done yet. Until everyone has access to equitable, affordable care, we’ll keep pushing forward. Our current priorities include:

• Expanding funding for the state’s immigrant health program
• Ensuring Apple Health clients receive medically necessary care
• Training advocates to support Apple Health and Medicare access
• Protecting reproductive health care and contraceptive coverage
• Enforcing mental health parity and expanding behavioral health services
• Strengthening charity care laws and reducing medical debt

Promoting policy solutions to lower health care costs.