Health care resources are spread thin, and data about the coronavirus pandemic is showing that communities of color are disproportionately affected. The epidemic is exacerbating health disparities that already exist. We need health equity now more than ever. At NoHLA, we’re leveraging our experience as the voice of health care consumers to urge policymakers that...
Category: News
Postpartum bill vetoed due to economic impacts of pandemic
One of NoHLA’s top legislative priorities this session was Senate Bill 6128, which would have extended Apple Health coverage to 12 months postpartum. In Washington, low-income pregnant women can get comprehensive, no-cost health coverage through the Apple Health/Medicaid program, but coverage ends just two months after the end of pregnancy. Health needs continue through the...
COVID-19: Impact on Immigrant Health
COVID-19 is changing life as we know it. Immigrants are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be uninsured and lower-income thus unable to afford costs when health care needs arise. Trump-era policies such as increased immigration enforcement – including at health care facilities despite the sensitive locations policy still in place – and public...
On its tenth anniversary, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is helping our state provide health care during a pandemic.
Being at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic shows how critical it is for Washington State to have a strong health system. A virus does not discriminate, and we need everyone, regardless of their income, to be able to access health care to keep us all safe. Passed by Congress 10 years ago this week,...
Federal developments
TAKE ACTION: Comment here by Monday, March 2 at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET to oppose the proposal to nix automatic coverage renewals for low-income enrollees. Changes to Public Charge Effective Now Despite the many legal efforts to stop the “public charge” rule from taking effect, both the final Department of Homeland Security and the...
Improving affordability of prescription drugs
The Legislature is considering a number of bills to address affordability of prescription drugs. These bills have passed the Senate or the House: SB 6087 (Keiser) would cap the out-of-pocket cost to patients for a 30-day supply of insulin at $100 per month. SB 6088 (Keiser) would establish a prescription drug affordability board that would...
Improving access to essential health care: Postpartum coverage
TAKE ACTION! Senate Bill 6128, Extending coverage during the postpartum period, was referred to House Appropriations. We need to ensure it gets a hearing! Contact all members of the House Appropriations Committee, to request that they hear the bill and fund it in the budget. How to take action: Click here. Fill out your information....