OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington state legislature handed an expanded charity well being care invoice Tuesday that might make roughly half of Washingtonians eligible at no cost or discounted healthcare.
House Bill 1616 will develop charity care eligibility to an extra 1 million Washingtonians than who certified earlier than.
In response to the state legal professional basic’s workplace, about two-thirds of people that file for chapter nationwide say medical payments are the most important purpose why, and greater than half of assortment objects on credit score stories are for medical debt.
“Too many Washingtonians are only one hospital invoice away from monetary disaster,” stated Lawyer Common Bob Ferguson. “Underneath present regulation, a single mother or father working two minimal wage jobs at 50 hours per week was not eligible for monetary help at Washington hospitals — that’s not proper and it wanted to vary. This invoice ensures that assistance is there for many who want it.”
The invoice’s sponsors say entry to well being care can also be an fairness concern, as communities of coloration are insured at a disproportionately decrease charge.
The invoice now heads to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.
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