Health reform is helping

Washington will bring in $128 million in federal assistance, thanks to the state Legislature’s recent efforts on a bill to kick-start health reform (May 17). Next year, we will have another opportunity to bring in federal aid and extend care to even more of our friends, neighbors and community members.

The federal Basic Health Plan is a federally funded insurance package with lower premiums for households that don’t have a lot of spare change. The Affordable Care Act lets states opt in to offer this plan in addition to the standard exchange.

An Urban Institute report has outlined possible scenarios for how this option might play out in Washington. The benefits are clear. In Spokane County alone, this plan makes health care more affordable to over 11,000 people in our community while reimbursing insurance providers at above-Medicaid or even near-commercial rates.

Strong communities look out for each other. Spokane has been hit hard by the global recession, and this plan is an opportunity to ensure our friends and neighbors still have a life vest if they find themselves in troubled water. In 2013, Washington legislators will decide whether or not to implement this program. Let’s hope they make the right choice.

Amanda R. Hunt

Spokane