Today, Group Health proudly hosted Governor Christine Gregoire as she took the next step in empowering her constituents to choose the best, most affordable health care by signing the Health Benefit Exchange Legislation at our Olympia Medical Center.
Group Health supports the legislation because it simplifies the process for purchasing health care for all Washingtonians and provides a rating system to help consumers select the best plan. Furthermore, the legislation will provide more choices in health plans while also making it easier for them to retain their coverage when switching from job to job. Washington state again leads as one of the first states to quickly and appropriately enact Health Benefit Exchange Legislation in advance of the 2014 federal deadline.
“The rising cost of health insurance is a significant concern for residents across the state,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Today my signature on the Health Benefits Exchange bill makes it easier for individuals and small businesses to compare, select, and buy affordable health care coverage. The exchange will help take the guess work out of the health insurance process and will assure that consumers get what they pay for. I thank Group Health Cooperative for leading the way on these important efforts.”
Group Health Cooperative has been an active partner in helping shape an exchange that is both sensible and appropriate for Washington state. The Governor’s office has asked Group Health’s Olympia Medical Center to host the bill signing this Friday, on the second anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the Affordable Care Act, in recognition of Group Health’s quality of care and service in the state of Washington.
Sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser for the Senate version of the bill and by Representative Eileen Cody in the House, this legislation highlights the need to increase affordable access to health care.
“I think our law will create a healthy, vibrant marketplace for consumers and small businesses to serve as a ‘one stop shop’ for affordable health insurance,” said Senator Keiser. “We plan to be open for enrollment by the fall of 2013!”
“I’m excited to have Washington state take the next step toward health care reform,” Representative Cody said. “As we move closer to access to health care coverage for all, we must now work together to decrease cost and improve quality. With the help of progressive organizations like Group Health, Washington can be a leader in these efforts.”
Group Health members are already experiencing the kind of next-generation care that national, state, and local administrations would like to see available to more people in the country. Practices such as electronic medical records, the medical home, patient-centered care, comparative effectiveness, and shared decision-making are already at work, creating the exceptional care experience Group Health members value.
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