Washington State Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch co-authors a commentary outlining how working with providers, payers and other stakeholders to set statewide cost growth targets can have an impact on health care costs.

Health insurance premiums paid by more than 200,000 Washington residents will increase by an average of nearly 9% next year, with some rising by as much as 17.8%.

In the wake of the OIC announcement of an 8.9% average health insurance rate increase for 2024, consumer groups call on the legislature to take action.

This video series highlights high health care prices and the impact they have on health care costs and affordability and the policy solutions that can make a difference.

The emergency appendectomy would have cost the retired teacher and expatriate ten times less in Switzerland.

Bills aimed at reducing health care costs faced significant industry opposition, setting a foundation for change in the next session, according to Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle).

FInd out why Jim Freeburg, Executive Director of Patient Coalition of Washington says “Everyone in health care has a lobbyist except for patients and we’re trying to change that.”

In its latest Hospitals Index report, Lown Institute asks “How much are hospitals giving back to their communities?” and finds they are getting $14.2 billion more in tax breaks than they are paying out.

Olympia is considering a plan that helps hospitals collect higher payments for Medicaid patients.

Hospital mergers are touted as improving efficiencies, increasing capabilities, and addressing inequities, but new research finds no benefits to the hospitals involved or the communities they serve.