The emergency appendectomy would have cost the retired teacher and expatriate ten times less in Switzerland.

Bills aimed at reducing health care costs faced significant industry opposition, setting a foundation for change in the next session, according to Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle).

FInd out why Jim Freeburg, Executive Director of Patient Coalition of Washington says “Everyone in health care has a lobbyist except for patients and we’re trying to change that.”

In its latest Hospitals Index report, Lown Institute asks “How much are hospitals giving back to their communities?” and finds they are getting $14.2 billion more in tax breaks than they are paying out.

Olympia is considering a plan that helps hospitals collect higher payments for Medicaid patients.

Hospital mergers are touted as improving efficiencies, increasing capabilities, and addressing inequities, but new research finds no benefits to the hospitals involved or the communities they serve.

How can Washington do to curb 6.7% growth per year in overall health care spending? Increase transparency and accountability with HB 1508.

Calling the increasing cost of health care “the most important issue facing patients,” advocates ask the Senate to put consumer affordability at the center of healthcare spending.

Supporters urge the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee to pass ESHB 1508 and build proactive and constructive accountability in the health care system.

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO takes a stand to support Fair Health Prices WA’s legislative agenda to reduce health care costs.