Title

A RESOLUTION encouraging the Washington state Legislature to expand affordable health care coverage to all Washington residents.

Body

                     WHEREAS, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, more people than ever have health insurance, and Washington reduced the rate of uninsured individuals by half, and

                     WHEREAS, nearly 500,000 people remain uninsured in our state because insurance is unaffordable or because they are ineligible for public programs, and

                     WHEREAS, the King County Board of Health passed Resolution 18-01 in January 2018 in support of expanding coverage and lowering barriers for low-income residents, including those who are unable to afford private insurance and unable to access Medicare, Medicaid and subsidized plans because of eligibility requirements, and

                     WHEREAS, health care access is a statewide challenge that requires a statewide solution, and

                     WHEREAS, Washington took a major step forward in improving affordability by creating the public option, which is Cascade Care, and

                     WHEREAS, in the 2019 Washington state legislative session, several bills were introduced to expand health care coverage including extending the length of coverage for Washington's Pregnancy Medical Program and expansion of Apple Health up to the age of 26;

                     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Health of King County:

                     The Board of Health calls on the Washington state Legislature to build on Washington's progress with innovations to increase access to health care coverage for

those who are not eligible for current federal subsidies or public insurance programs, including senior citizens.