Last Thursday and Friday, Washington state gubernatorial candidates Jay Inslee (D) and Rob McKenna (R) took part in live chats hosted online by the Seattle Times. While both candidates fielded questions concerning various issues from education to tax policies, healthcare policy appeared to receive a large amount of attention during both chats. (more…)
Looking at various systems of care to learn how different systems do things is a high value exercise. However, I’m reminded in reading this blog post this morning that it’s high value for two reasons: because you can learn how to do things better, and because you can see where you get high marks here at home. (more…)
The ACA’s ruling that allows states to opt out of expansion of Medicaid has created an entirely new concern: a gap in coverage between the haves and the have-nots that includes only the have-too-much-and-too-little. (more…)
The HCA has submitted to CMS a waiver request that would end a burdensome Medicaid administrative process known as “reconciliation” and attempt to institute an incentive based methodology for care delivery in the rural setting. (more…)
Whether or not Obama or Romney wins the upcoming presidential election in November, we’re betting the ACA is here to stay. “Repeal” has been a popular rally cry for the conservative base, but reality sits with a Senate currently controlled by Democrats. Even if the Republicans pick up the Senate, currently divided 53-47, it would mean they’d have to pick up 6 of the 8 races currently identified as toss ups. (more…)
Two new polls out in the last week suggest that the ground is shifting in the governor’s race in Washington State.
1. Last week’s Survey USA poll showed a dead heat between McKenna (42%) and Inslee (41%). Digging into the cross tabs though, I found a couple of interesting threads. (more…)
An article in this week’s edition of the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) brought to light a fear which many primary care doctors share about Medicaid expansion in Washington: it will equate to more Medicaid patients.
The Washington State Hospital Association states that the rate paid by private insurers for an adult’s typical doctor’s office visit in Washington is $112.20. The rate paid by Medicaid? $37.84. (more…)
According to the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) whooping cough is still at epidemic levels in the state. Earlier this year we posted articles on the epidemic outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis.
The following report was published by WSDH on Thursday, July 19th reflecting data through July 14, 2012: (more…)
The office of Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter issued a press release Friday, July 13 announcing the formation of two working study groups to “research and examine” Idaho’s options in light of the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold most of the provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” (more…)
McKenna Needs to Engage In the Debate on Medicaid Expansion
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012The Seattle Times conducted live chat sessions with both Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee last week. Health care continued to be one of the headline issues discussed during both sessions.
McKenna addressed the central question of whether he would, as governor, promote the expansion of Medicaid in Washington State. (more…)
Tags: Jay Inslee, Rob McKenna
Posted in 2012 Elections, Commentary, Washington |