Originally published April 13, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 13, 2007 at 2:02 AM
Legislature 2007
Health-care measure advances in state House
The state House passed a vast health-care measure Thursday that supporters say will improve Washington's system, but opponents say does...
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The state House passed a vast health-care measure Thursday that supporters say will improve Washington's system, but opponents say does nothing to help small businesses and families.
The measure was approved 61-34. House Health Care and Wellness Committee Chairwoman Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, said she expects the Senate to sign off on the changes, with the bill then going to the governor.
Gov. Christine Gregoire's health-care adviser, Christina Hulet, said the governor is on board with the House version of the bill.
The measure is based on the 16 recommendations made by the governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access.
"When it comes to health care we have not found the silver bullet that will solve all of our problems," Cody said. "With this bill what we've done is take a bunch of little steps."
"This doesn't provide a single benefit to small businesses and families," said Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, ranking member of the House Health Care committee. "I think it's too bad; it's a missed opportunity."
Among other things, the measure would encourage care that has been proved to work, start health-promotion programs for state employees, and allow online access to the University of Washington Health Science Library.
It also encourages the use of electronic medical records, which supporters say will improve safety and lower costs, while promoting better care of patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Mellani Hughes McAleenan, governmental-affairs director for the Association of Washington Business, said she was "heartbroken" by the measure.
"This bill as it passed out of the House does nothing to help small business," McAleenan said.
The measure includes the creation of a pilot program that would modify the current small-employer health-insurance partnership and rename it the "Health Insurance Partnership." It would be a test-run for a potentially larger pool, in which a state board would act as the "connector" between people and insurers.
The idea behind the connector is that the state could negotiate for lower health-insurance rates for the large pool. Supporters said the connector program could move the state toward universal health care.
It's based on a test program in Massachusetts. McAleenan said the state should wait to see how the idea works there before adopting the changes.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 02:18 PM
Arson suspect has long history of setting fires
Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
Kirkland annex 'yes' could be slipping away
UPDATE - 02:25 PM
Kent man challenges Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' gun ban

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
634 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
319 - OSU game thread
301 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
178 - KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
143 - Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
141 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
110 - Wright State game thread
97 - Rang says Locker not ready for NFL
85 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
84
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15





