NoHLA welcomes our 2020 summer Extern, Natalie McCarthy. Natalie is from Tacoma, WA and is a third year law student at Seattle University. Natalie’s interest in health care began early when she lost her sight to brain cancer at age 10 and as a result, aspired to become an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Natalie...

In Washington State, as in the U.S. generally, the pandemic does not affect all residents equally. State data reveal that Hispanic (Latinx) residents make up 35% of COVID-19 cases although they comprise only 13% of the state population. In King County, residents who are Hispanic, Black, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander suffer significantly more COVID-19 infections...

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion omnibus measure that addresses health care and economic needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is now in the Senate, where it is unlikely to pass in its current form. The pandemic has made clear that the health and well-being...

TAKE ACTION (30 seconds!): Click send on this pre-written message to support immigrants in this critical time. All of the coronavirus legislation enacted to date—including the Families First and the CARES Acts— has left many low- and moderate-income immigrants out of both public health and stimulus policies. Much more needs to be done to ensure...

During this traumatic time, the world of health care is in flux. We don’t know how long the pandemic will last or what our state, country and world will look like when it’s over. But it’s pretty clear that access to care is critical – not only to every individual’s health, but also to the...

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...

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 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...

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,...

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...