Recap of Washington for Health Care's First (Successful!) Legislative Session
Washington for Health Care helped assure that the state's final budget for 2005 was pro-health care.  Over 40,000 more children will have health insurance, 100,000 adults continue to have coverage through the Basic Health Plan (17,200 were slated for cuts), hospitals received over $21 million in new state funding, and home care cuts for thousands of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities were rejected.  

Three of Washington for Health Care's legislative priorities have already been signed into law:  mental health parity, a prescription drug consortium (see details below), and a bill on prescription drug re-importation.  Looking ahead, WA4HC will continue coordinated grassroots efforts in support of the "Health Care Responsibility Act," a "fair share health care" bill, that would require large employers to pay for their employees' health care.  The bill made its strongest showing to date this session.

Southeastern King County Approves Levy on Emergency Medical Services:  Proposition 1 was approved by 54% of voters!  As a result, Valley Medical Center will be able to improve and expand emergency services to meet rising demand for care, and SE King County will be able to maintain quick response times for fire and EMS.