TL/DR –
Healthcare costs in Washington state have risen significantly over the past decade, with premiums rising by 49% and deductibles by nearly 79% from 2010 to 2020. The Washington state Insurance Commissioner’s Office attributes these increases in part to healthcare mergers and acquisitions. In response, state lawmakers have passed several bills to decrease out-of-pocket expenses, including coverage for hearing aids, eliminating cost-sharing for breast exams and abortions, and a permanent cap on insulin costs.
Washington Health Care Costs Surge Over the Last Decade
Over the past decade, Washington residents have been grappling with an escalation in health care costs. A recent report from the state Insurance Commissioner’s Office reveals a 49% rise in premiums and an almost 79% surge in deductibles between 2010 and 2020.
A 2022 survey found that about 62% of Washingtonians struggle with health care costs, leading to prescription rationing, care delays or savings depletion to cover medical expenses. State lawmakers have taken notice, passing several bills last year that target high health care costs.
Legislative Response to Rising Health Care Costs
Lawmakers have made efforts to alleviate the financial burden on Washington residents. Recent bills aim at reducing out-of-pocket charges, updating Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, and improving access to care. However, critics fear these changes may inadvertently increase premiums.
The Association of Washington Healthcare Plans posits that eliminating cost-sharing for services like breast exams could inflate expenses, leading to higher premiums. Sarah Munro, a professor at University of Washington, argues that reducing out-of-pocket costs could promote early care seeking.
Approved Changes Affecting Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Several legislative tweaks aimed at lowering patients’ out-of-pocket expenses were approved during the last session. These involve hearing aids, breast exams, colorectal screenings, insulin, abortion, and birth/newborn and postpartum care.
Future Predictions for Legislative Session
As 2024’s legislative session opens, lawmakers maintain a focus on health care cost reduction. One strategy the state Health Care Authority considers involves ensuring low-cost versions of drugs are available without necessarily requiring coverage of every market version.
The fight to make insulin more accessible continues with Senate Bill 5776, aiming to provide low-cost, emergency insulin to eligible Washingtonians. Senate Bill 5986 seeks to establish balance billing protections for certain ground ambulance services, requiring health plans to cover transports to emergency behavioral health providers.
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