Hope is on the horizon as the first COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Washington State. The Washington State Department of Health has released a carefully-considered phased distribution plan, with Phase 1a  already underway. High-risk first responders, medical workers, and elders in nursing facilities are now beginning to receive the vaccine. And just this week, a second...

For Washington residents who have made it through the hurdle of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization, there may be another question looming: what will it cost? The good news is that under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, and related federal guidance, the vaccine should be available at no charge to all Washington residents....

As Thanksgiving approaches, NoHLA is reflecting on the meaning of the holiday. For some, Thanksgiving is a moment to celebrate blessings in preparation for the winter months ahead. For others, Thanksgiving is a somber day of remembrance– a time to acknowledge and honor that we live and work on the unceded ancestral lands of the...

Here at NoHLA, we are drawing up our holiday wish list for policymakers at the federal and state level. Here are our top asks this year: 1. Preserve health reform at the Supreme Court On November 10th, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could affect the health coverage of almost every...

As the pandemic approaches another potential spike, it’s more important than ever for Washington residents to access COVID-19 testing and treatment when necessary without fear of unexpected medical bills. Please continue to spread the word about protections for Washington State residents against medical bills for COVID-19 testing and treatment: For state-regulated (“fully insured”) private health...

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how immigrants in Washington State face inequitable access to critical health and safety net programs. As a first step in improving equity and basic economic security for immigrants, there are new funds available to help Washington State residents who don’t qualify for other COVID-19 relief programs due to their immigration...

NoHLA is partnering with El Centro de la Raza and Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) with support from ACLU of Washington to advocate for health equity for immigrants. Many public health coverage programs include immigration status restrictions, which excludes many people from accessing these vital programs. The COVID-19 public health emergency has made it clear...

In response to comments from NoHLA and other advocates, the state Health Care Authority (HCA) has announced it will permit applicants to make an informed choice to obtain Family Planning Only program (FPO) services without applying for full scope Medicaid.  This is welcome news, as the state-funded program became available to all regardless of immigration...

This year, in lieu of our annual all-day in-person seminar, we went virtual with 5 sessions, one a week in the month of October. The theme is “Pandemic Response: How Do We Center Health Equity?”  It’s been a great run so far! The series began with a compelling keynote presentation by Dr. Rhea Boyd, followed...

Know someone who needs health coverage or wants to switch their plan? It’s Open Enrollment season for Washington State residents seeking individual coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official insurance marketplace, or Medicare. Washington Healthplanfinder Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2020 – Jan. 15, 2021. During this time, people can sign up or renew...