Inslee proposes ‘public option’ health-insurance plan for Washington
The proposal, which Inslee said is the first step toward universal health care, is geared in part to help stabilize the exchange, which has wrestled with double-digit premium increases and attempts by
"We are proposing to the state Legislature that we have a public option that is available throughout the state of
Called the Cascade Care legislation, the plan would be offered in every county.
The proposal would have the state
The plan would be designed with transparent and consistent deductibles, copays and coinsurance, according to the summary, and would "compete on premium price, provider networks, customer service, and quality."
Cascade Care would not only help stabilize the individual health-insurance market and keep deductibles from rising but would be a step toward coverage for all state residents, said state Rep.
Washington state Insurance Commissioner
"It is going to be a challenge to enact. It is going to be a challenge to implement. But it is worth the cost because there are people out there still hurting," Kreidler said.
Cody said insurance companies know about the proposed legislation and are not "overjoyed" about the plan.
Inslee's proposed 2019-21 state operating budget would provide
Right now, 14
The legislation also proposes subsidies to help low-income families and individuals afford health insurance. It would require the state to develop a plan that would provide subsidies with the goal of having consumers spend 10 percent or less of their income on premiums.
Tuesday's proposal does not fund that part of the legislation, according to McGill.
Democratic officials this election season talked often about health-care issues, including the expansion of health coverage or making it more affordable. The proposed legislation comes as Inslee seeks to raise his profile.
At a news conference announcing the health-plan proposal, Inslee also was asked about addressing climate change, an issue he champions. He said it doesn't help to have a "climate denier" in the
Inslee then shifted to address the partial shutdown of the federal government, saying, "We don't have an emergency in national security, as much as we have an emergency of presidential insecurity. Because this president has not been secure enough to stand up against
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