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Our state health care system
needs leadership and vision
The average family health
insurance policy has nearly tripled in cost since 2000. In that same
time, nearly 200 health care-related bills have been passed by the
Washington State Legislature.
This might lead one to
conclude that Olympia is a bigger part of the problem than the solution.
One thing is clear: the
current approach is not working. This includes a push toward a
government-controlled health care system – a path leading to more costs
and fewer choices for consumers.
As lead Republican on the
House Health Care and Wellness Committee, my views stand in stark
contrast to the status quo. I believe if we continue to address our
health care problems the same way, we can expect the same poor results.
The 2008 legislative
session was a hallmark example of the “business as usual” approach. Its
biggest accomplishment was commissioning the state’s 16th health care
study since 2005.
It is time for more
decisions and fewer commissions.
Our first problem is state
leadership has no vision. A comprehensive health care system must have a
vision based on guiding principles.
For example, our state
should strive for a health care system with affordable coverage for
everyone. People should be allowed to have health insurance policies
that they own – not the government – and fit their specific needs. This
means their coverage stays with them even if they change jobs.
Our second problem is the
four primary groups central to the success of our health care system
often distrust one another. These groups are the government, health care
providers, insurers, and consumers – and they need to coalesce.
Our third problem is our
health care system is not designed for 21st Century realities. We are
not fully utilizing innovation and technology, or embracing the private
sector. The entrenched bureaucracy in Olympia has resisted many of these
necessary changes.
Finally, and most
importantly, our state refuses to enact bold reforms. A lead House
Democrat was quoted following the 2008 legislative session as saying:
“If you take too many bold steps, you’ll no longer be in the majority.”
This is not leadership and
underscores the need for change.
Olympia is not void of
bold ideas – the majority party and governor simply refuse to take them
off the shelf. I believe this is because they are married to a
government-controlled health care system, and anything that deviates
from this ultimate outcome is dismissed.
For example, I introduced
health care legislation that would have provided assistance to the
uninsured, small businesses and self-employed. House Bill 3384 would
have provided a 50 percent business and occupation tax credit for the
self-employed and reduced state mandates so those without health
insurance could have access to affordable options.
The measure did not even receive a hearing.
Another piece of
legislation, Senate Bill 6030, would have allowed insurance carriers to
design plans to meet the specific needs of young adults ages 19 to 34.
This group is generally healthy and represents 51 percent of our state’s
uninsured.
The measure was not
allowed to the Senate floor for a vote.
Again, there are bold
ideas in Olympia – but they are being ignored. Here are some other
solutions that would bring our health care system into the 21st Century:
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Increase access to
health care cost and quality information so people can make the best
decisions for themselves;
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Assist small employers
and the self-employed with tax incentives on health insurance
premiums (25 percent of uninsured adults);
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Increase access to
Health Savings Accounts;
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Allow health policies
that incentivize 19- to 34-year-olds to enter the market; and
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Reduce health
insurance costs by limiting state mandates on policies.
We also need help at the
federal level. Families would benefit greatly if their health care
expenses could be tax deductible and if they could shop across state
lines (portability) for health insurance. These concepts have met
roadblocks in our nation’s capital.
The bottom line is we must
change from the mindset of “what is” to “what could be” for our health
care system. This is going to require leadership and vision in Olympia.
Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, serves as lead Republican on the House
Health Care and Wellness Committee. He can be contacted at (360)
786-7808 or
hinkle.bill@leg.wa.gov.
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