Health Care

Health care costs continue to rise at paces far in excess of inflation, causing many employers to either reduce the benefits they provide to their employees, drop existing coverage, or refrain from purchasing new coverage. The high costs of health care coverage have a direct impact on the number of uninsured in the state, and an expensive health care market makes Washington unattractive to new and existing businesses who want to provide good benefits for their employees. Exorbitant health care costs also erode the ability of the state to provide other vital services without raising taxes.

Private and public entities should continue efforts to address the major problems associated with rising health care costs. Citizens should adopt healthier lifestyles. And, they should be more aware of the costs and efficacy of their treatments. Government policies should be revised to reduce unnecessary requirements, most particularly mandated benefits. Insurers should be permitted to offer affordable basic health care plans, free of many of these mandates, along with those that may contain more options. In addition, the availability of consumer driven health plans, such as Health Savings Accounts, should be expanded, allowing employees greater control of and accountability for their health care decisions.

Legislative Objectives