Health Reform

What's new? The Washington State Health Care Authority is seeking input on its State Health Care Innovation Plan. See summaries regarding the State Innovation Models Initiative and State Health Care Innovation Planning. Comments can be sent directly to simquestions@hca.wa.gov. 40% of King County's poorest adults have no health insurance; most in this group will be eligible for public insurance through Medicaid expansion in 2014. See Summary & Data Highlights by Communities Count for more info. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange’s Countdown to Coverage Webinar Series will discuss the upcoming changes associated with the Affordable Care Act and the new options that will be available through their online health insurance marketplace. Sessions are scheduled April 26-July 31. Washington's Insurance Commissioner discusses health reform changes to-date and launches expanded edition of health reform website

Health Reform is here and big changes are coming. In fact, thousands of people in King County are already benefitting from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including:

• 736,000 people who no longer face lifetime caps on their health benefits.
• 15,000 young adults up to age 26 who have stayed on their parents' health plans.
• 368,000 people who now have coverage for preventive care with no co-pays or deductibles.
• 15,000 people enrolled in Medicare who have saved hundreds on their prescription drugs.

Beginning January 1, 2014, 180,000 uninsured King County residents will gain access to affordable health coverage through the expansion of the Medicaid program and Washington Healthplanfinder, our state's Health Benefit Exchange.

Learn more about health reform in King County:

	Health reform in Washington state and its impact on King County
	The Affordable Care Act and prevention
	Integrating medical, behavioral health, prevention and social services
	Health Reform Planning Team
	Materials and resources to learn more about health reform