Budget ax falling on Washington Basic Health Plan
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 2:53 PM PST
By The Associated Press
Printable version
E-mail this articleOLYMPIA — The state will begin to reduce the number of people on its Basic Health Plan starting Friday, a moneysaving move critics say couldn’t come at a worse time.
The plan, subsidized by taxpayers, covers 105,000 low-income people. The state Health Care Authority plans to lower that number by 7,700 over the next seven months.
After Friday, authority director Steve Hill told The Olympian newspaper, the state will limit enrollments, allowing a new person to receive benefits only if two other people drop off the plan. The goal is to save $6.7 million in the budget year, which ends in June.
The cuts are part of drastic spending reductions ordered by Gov. Chris Gregoire to help balance the state budget.
“We obviously appreciate the magnitude of the problem the state is facing, but feel very strongly that cutting basic health during a recession is exactly the wrong direction,” said Rebecca Kavoussi of the Community Health Network of Washington.
People on the Basic Health Plan pay a fee based on how much they earn. The most an individual can make and qualify is $22,800 a year, and the average cost to taxpayers for each person is $217 a month.
Enrollment in the plan peaked in 2001 at 133,000, but was capped at 100,000 during a budget crunch in 2003. It nearly reached its most recent 106,500-person capacity again last summer.
“We’ve been in this position to fight for these slots all along, and there has been no more critical time for the program,” Kavoussi said. “You have people losing their jobs, and very tight on cash. They’re more likely now than ever to use emergency rooms, which is more expensive.”
Last week, Gregoire ordered another $260 million in emergency spending cuts this fiscal year, on top of $330 million in reductions planned earlier. She took that action after state economists said a bleak revenue forecast, hurt by the deeply troubled economy and tight consumer spending, had driven the 2009 budget into deficit for the first time and set up a total shortfall of about $5.1 billion through the next two-year state budget.
Gregoire, who will propose her 2009-2011 budget next month, is expecting conditions to get even worse, pushing the eventual deficit to about $6 billion. State legislators convene in January to begin work on plugging the gap.
Hill noted this is the third round of cuts for his agency since the summer, and that layoffs are a possibility. In addition to reducing the Basic Health Plan, the authority is ending a project to replace a 30-year-old computer system that handles public employee insurance transactions, and will end the Health Insurance Partnership, a plan to help small businesses offer coverage to workers.
swan wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:33 AM:
" This program needs to be cut. I receive the same benefits as the people on this plan, but I pay through the nose to get coverage. $217/month is a lot of money to subsidize an individual. "
Kelso, WA wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:43 AM:
" And the budget has been raised by $7Billion for what? Chris, I'm glad your our governer, you're doing great things for this state! How DID she get reelected? "
mikadax wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:23 AM:
" crazy! we need to be adding more programs such as these. how are working poor supposed to get health insurance now? "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:48 AM:
" Now that the truth has revealed Gregoire is a complete failure, I notice her supporters are oddly silent as of lately..I guess facts have a way doing that.. "
swan wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:04 AM:
" "mikadax", if we're going to add more programs such as these, we need to extend the eligibility to everybody, not just the working poor. Why should we prioritize towards the poor? To answer your question of how working poor are supposed to get health insurance, (1) have more kids to meet eligibility requirements, (2) don't work, to lower your income eligibility, or (3) quit making unaffordable babies, get a better job, and buy your own damn health insurance like everybody else. There is too much bias in these programs. How is it that the working poor get the same benefits I do, at 1/10 the cost? What's my incentive to obtain benefits when they can be had for "free"? Again, I'm not opposed to these benefits, but they must be fair - without socioeconomic bias. If we extended benefits to all citizens: 6.4 Million citizens x $217/mo = $16.6 Billion/year. For reference, Washington State has an annual budget of approximately $26 Billion. If we spend it on health care, a lot of other stuff will have to give. I guess my point is, unbiased health care is not affordable, and therefore we should eliminate all government provided health care. "
Kelso Resident wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:15 AM:
" Well, I applied this last summer I'm guessing that I won't be on it now. There's always the family health center. "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:15 AM:
" This on top of the fact that only one place in our area takes state medical for child dentistry... and that is at the family health center in longview, what a bunch of quacks. I went there once with xrays showing damage to my back and hip, yet I was told I was only there for drugs. I cried for two days trying to figure out who to go to for help. Eventually going to the ER and referred to Kaiser, where they finally got me to the doctors that could help. The trust in our medical society for me is GONE! The whole medical community and the funding, including how much is underpaid to these doctors needs examined and reformed. IT IS TIME. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:17 AM:
" Didn't our Liberal governor run on a campaign pledge not to cut services to the needy? Didn't our Liberal governor say it would be Dino that would do this? Wow, Dino must have won the election after all. Maybe our Liberal governor should reduce her travel budget a little. What's she doing in Philadelphia kissing the ring of the Messiah while thousands will have to go without basic healthcare? "
Billy Hill wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:24 AM:
" All you Democrats vote these people in time and again.....now deal with it! "
GG wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:36 AM:
" WHY is this much needed program being cut when Chris and her entourage run around in darkened window NEW gas guzzling SUV's and grant themselves a pay raise? This is not the "CHANGE" Obama was talking about is it? I would much rather fund (with my tax dollars) insurance for the working class poor and their children than our governer and her "needs". I think we have just begun to see the "change" this country is going to endure in the next four years.................. "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:50 AM:
" It will cost more than it saves anyway. Low income people without insurance go to the emergency room and that's the most expensive. We are just passing these costs to hospitals, what do they think? "
swan wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:56 AM:
" "mikadax", if we're going to add more programs such as these, we need to extend the eligibility to everybody, not just the working poor. Why should we prioritize towards the poor? To answer your question of how working poor are supposed to get health insurance, (1) have more kids to meet eligibility requirements, (2) don't work, to lower your income eligibility, or (3) quit making unaffordable babies, get a better job, and buy your own health insurance like everybody else. There is too much bias in these programs. How is it that the working poor get the same benefits I do, at 1/10 the cost? What's my incentive to obtain benefits when they can be had for "free"? Again, I'm not opposed to these benefits, but they must be fair - without socioeconomic bias. If we extended benefits to all citizens: 6.4 Million citizens x $217/mo = $16.6 Billion/year. For reference, Washington State has an annual budget of approximately $26 Billion. If we spend it on health care, a lot of other stuff will have to give. I guess my point is, unbiased health care is not affordable, and therefore we should eliminate all government provided health care. "
Pinky wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:58 AM:
" smart move gregoire... cut health care??? & she got re-elected how?? I didn't vote for her, and I know a lot of other people didn't vote for her either.....Was Rossi really THAT bad?? Stupid politicians making cuts in schools and health care??? THAT makes no sense... why don't they cut the politicians salary?? They don't need 3 million homes! "
DEH wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:14 AM:
" This is a horrible time to be cutting this type of program. What happens to the people who have been laid off and thus lost their employer-sponsored health coverage? I appreciate Basic Health because it makes people pay towards their own health care and doesn't give it away for free, but it still makes it affordable for low income people who work and simply don't make enough money to buy their own private health insurance. It's not a free handout like so many state and federal programs nowadays, and that's a good thing. "
American First wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:44 AM:
" Oh, there will be more to come. Somebody has to pay for it, I know it's difficult to swallow, but government CAN'T provide everything for you! Socialism doesn't work! Ironic, Gregoire said what she had to to get elected and people actually believed her. Stupid... "
swan wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:56 AM:
" "pinky" your comments are naive. Citizens voting for politicians that provide "handouts" is the beginning of a communizing society. Once people realize that they have the ability to receive benefits based on who they vote for, they will perpetuate the notion and extend that to whatever politician provides the most benefits. At some point, the costs of these benefits are going to have to be paid for, but there won't be any money left. People will, in effect, have voted themselves out of jobs and a progressive future, falling into the ever expanding safety net of the government. The governor's salary and expenditures are a drop in the bucket compared to the numbers we're talking about. They have no real impact to the services citizens receive. They probably don't need $3 Million homes, but if you want to start determining needs of people, there is a lot that could be said about everybody. Taking away rights to pursue beyond their needs will be a dark period in our history, and arguably an inevitable one, particularly with comments and attitudes as are seen in these postings. "
mikadax wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:28 PM:
" by working poor I mean those w/jobs barely keeping afloat. and I didn't vote for Gregoire for this exact reason "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 1:07 PM:
" Did you experts even read the article? No individuals will be cut, people leaving the program will be replace at a slower rate. Good thing republicans get a chanch bitch about reducing the cost of a program that they don't support in the first place, classic. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 3, 2008 1:23 PM:
" Yes cheney119. we did read the article...We also read the articles printed pre-election where Gregoire claimed everything was solid in the state....did you read those same articles as well??? In fact I believe I recall many comments from you in said articles..All we conservatives are doing is pointing and laughing at you that believed her lies...sadly, we all have to deal with her now... this state should be about 20 billion in debt by 2012!! Ya got what ya voted for..now live it!!!! "
onmymind wrote on Dec 3, 2008 1:34 PM:
" I am surprised that some of the people posting comments on here don't try to blame the governor for it being an overcast day. They seem to want to blame her for everything else. I am sure things would have been perfect with Dino as governor. Under his administration we would be lucky to have a health plan at all. If our economy and budget foes are all the governors fault, are the budget woes in states where Republicans are governors (like California) the Republicans fault? "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 3, 2008 2:11 PM:
" hey onmymind, you liberals have blamed Bush for everything that has happened since the start of time...and in this case Gregoire clearly told us pre-election how great things were going in this state....so why all the sudden less than a month after the election things are about to go belly up??? I will tell you.. its because she ran this state like it had a blank check, lied about it, and you liberals bought it...NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
onemom wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:03 PM:
" Too many people on the "state health" plan waste money. I mean, taking your child to the ED because of a cold, thinking they have a broken arm because they fell, yet can lift things just fine, or when people clog up the ED for things like bladder infections, ear infections, minor cuts. I have insurance and did not take my child to the doctor when he could have probably used a couple stiches. I THINK before I go to the doctor, unlike too many that I see that get to walk in free. Use the internet people, use your brains when it comes to taking care of your kids and yourselves. "
American First wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:21 PM:
" Cheney119 & onmymind- There is no way to fund all of this, what part do you not understand. You hold Bush accountable for everything at the national level, why wouldn't you hold the governor accountable at the state level? You blame Bush for everything, but Gregoire for nothing? Your sheep, and easily deceived, face it. Great points Gondolapete.... "
mikadax wrote on Dec 3, 2008 3:32 PM:
" to onemom,,,kids have died for not being seen for bladder infections or other infections that needed antibiotics. so why don't you think more when you turn your sick kid down from going into the doctors office! and, basic health isn't state health. "
cjcheer2002 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 5:50 PM:
" Ok...I was not going to say anything but now I must. Our family has to have WBH because my husband's TWO jobs don't supply it for the family unless we were to pay $500 extra a month. I also work but am self-employed. We need this income based insurance otherwise if we did have an emergency it would not be good. We are hard working citizens that pay our taxes but just don't have the best paying jobs with horrible benefits. We DO NOT take our kids to ER at the drop of a hat. We have not been there for over 7 years. We go to our normal yearly checkups and call to the advice nurse if there is an emergency. Please DO NOT put everyone using this into the categories of "just wanting free hand-outs" or "just waste money". My husband and I work very hard and if it wasn't for this program we couldn't afford insurance because it is way to high. Yes, there are people that abuse it but there are those that really need it that ARE doing there part in society but need a little help because of the cost of living being so high. Without this program many people that have lost jobs recently would have no insurance options. Don't kick people down anymore than they already are. Not everyone in the system is in it to get free hand outs. "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 6:51 PM:
" $23 million to fund working people's health care is a bargin; before they show up at the emergency room, that's the most expensive medical care available. Why don't you use your obviously over tasked brain? This is a serious issue and your (NOTE NOT YOU ARE) republican dogma is not applicable or realistic. Everyone with insurance pays for the emergency room, or do you understand that? Do you want to reduce the number of people that have any insurance? "
just living wrote on Dec 3, 2008 6:54 PM:
" Cutting this program is going to cost more money for tax payers. If anyone has looked for a job these days will find out that companies are not paying a decent wage, even if you have an AA degree they are still starting people out at $10-$12.00 and hour and offering no benefits! What are people suppose to do? Our politicians have preached over and over again about health care in our country, that it's important, yet they cut the programs that most Americans benefit from. This program is for low income families that still have to pay a premium each month because the companies they work for wont offer medical/dental. What else are our politicians going to cut or what other taxes are they going to incorporate into our daily lives? Our governor and her entourage needs to cut their salaries. "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 3, 2008 7:09 PM:
" Amen onemom couldn't have any more wrong. When I was a kid I went to the emergency room time after time for sprained ankles, broken fingers, strep throats, do you think parents should be certified MD's or do you even care about people's suffering at all. From what I see on this blog you don't give a damn about anybody but yourself. That's the prevailing opinion on TDN Blog, cut my taxes and if you die that's cool with me. "
KALAMAMOM wrote on Dec 4, 2008 4:47 AM:
" Basic Health is for working families. She should have looked at the "General Assistance Unemployable" or "GAU" program as her first cut instead of this program. We're paying these folks $339 per month and giving them medical on top of that. Yes some of these people are mentally ill, and there are ways to narrow the eligibility to keep the mentally ill covered. But drop the folks that are too fat to work, have PTSD, have fibromyalgia, have used so many drugs their brains are gone and they can't keep a job, or or non-citizens or "Prucol" aliens etc... Maybe keep them on the medical, but cut the monthly cash grant. That alone would save $4068.00 per year for each person on the program low estimate...30,000.... $122,040,000 per year! We are paying for this. Go to the link and read the eligibility: https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03esaapps/onlinecso/gau.asp "
dogshead wrote on Dec 4, 2008 6:31 AM:
" Providing basic shelter, food and healthcare for those in need should be the minimum moral responsiblity for any industrialized nation. Gregorie has earned my respect for trying to provide a safetynet for the weakest in our state. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:08 AM:
" Hey Cheney she's your Liberal governor, and now she is acting exactly like she told Dino would. What she didn't tell anyone before the election was how she would act. She played the blame game and the Liberals ate it up. Now that reality has set in, she is giving you the leaderhship you voted for. Keep harping about raising taxes to dig out of this hole. If she does, there will be a call for a recall. They bounced the Liberal in California for saying one thing and doing another. We can do the same. "
Cowlitz1 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:53 AM:
" Hey, did anyone notice this is a global economic recession? The Rossi supporters are quite right, it's obvious that he would have solved the global problem, cut taxes, balanced the state budget and increased healthcare. The logic is so clear... "
golfer wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:56 AM:
" Is Gregoire cutting health care akin to Bush 1 saying "read my lips no new taxes" then enacting them? Did you neocons snivel then?
Blaming the gov. for this state being in the red, does in fact belong on Bush causing it, through (neocons favorite word) trickle down economics. It has affected every state & almost every county government, city, etc. Why is it you Republicons wear rose colored glasses when a Democrat cuts a program, when that is the main platform of your party. "
Blaming the gov. for this state being in the red, does in fact belong on Bush causing it, through (neocons favorite word) trickle down economics. It has affected every state & almost every county government, city, etc. Why is it you Republicons wear rose colored glasses when a Democrat cuts a program, when that is the main platform of your party. "
Pinky wrote on Dec 4, 2008 9:52 AM:
" Swan...interesting of you to call my comments niave... I wonder why you singled me and my comments out? I stand by my words, politicians are paid too much, and THAT is where they should make cuts, not in our states health care. By the way, I am one of the people in our great state that does not have employer offered health care, and I have not applied for basic health. I just deal with it, and hope that my health does not permanantly suffer because of it! "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:25 AM:
" Yes here goes the Liberal blame game again. President Bush. That evil guy. How come you Liberals never speak to the fact that your gov raised state spending $8 billion a year? How come you are always silent on that issue? She said that Dino would do the evil and cut needy services. Dino said he could do it by cutting other government waste? Who do you think lied now? "
golfer wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:09 PM:
" tdn....If you are so naive as to believe that no politician lies, then I have a bridge to nowhere for sale, that you may purchase.
And, yes lets put the blame where it really belongs, & that is on your boy Bush. He is a crook that should be impeached. You snivel when we blame Bush, but the shoe seems to be on the other foot when your kind brings up Clinton. Hypocrite comes to mind. "
And, yes lets put the blame where it really belongs, & that is on your boy Bush. He is a crook that should be impeached. You snivel when we blame Bush, but the shoe seems to be on the other foot when your kind brings up Clinton. Hypocrite comes to mind. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:21 PM:
" Golfer, I could care less what you want to blame Pres. Bush for. The facts are he didn't increase spending in this state by $8 billion. He is responsible for our national debt, I agree. However, he is not responsible for the problems in this state. You Liberals are and your Liberal governor definitely is. So blaming Pres. Bush is not going to solve this state's problems. Your Liberal governor dug this hole and she is has to dig our way out. You Liberals won't the CEOs to work for $1 a year. How about asking your Liberal governor to work for $1 a year. Even at that, she'd be overpaid. "
swan wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:57 PM:
" to all: This is not a political issue. It is a matter of personal accountability. You are responsible for obtaining your own health insurance. If you can not afford it, then you will have to pay for the direct costs associated with care. Quite frankly, it's a sham that we force providers to give out health care. This is why insurance costs continue to rise. If we gave them the right to not provide care, costs would drop dramatically. Insurance is merely hedging your bets that you don't think you'll require expensive care. Insurance is not a guarantee of care, in the same way that a lack of insurance does not guarantee you'll get sick.
dogshead - No nation should have a moral responsibility to care for their citizens. Nations should not act upon morals. Why should poor people get a safety net? Why can't I get a safety net? If we could afford to provide a safety net, I'd be for it, as long as all people could obtain this benefit. Selective decisions are biased.
pinky - I wish no ill health upon you, and I hope that your health does not permanently suffer also.
cjcheer2002 - I laud your husband's efforts to be employed. That does not mean that he should be entitled to health insurance benefits though. Requiring employers to provide health insurance will result in fewer jobs available, and everyone will suffer. "
dogshead - No nation should have a moral responsibility to care for their citizens. Nations should not act upon morals. Why should poor people get a safety net? Why can't I get a safety net? If we could afford to provide a safety net, I'd be for it, as long as all people could obtain this benefit. Selective decisions are biased.
pinky - I wish no ill health upon you, and I hope that your health does not permanently suffer also.
cjcheer2002 - I laud your husband's efforts to be employed. That does not mean that he should be entitled to health insurance benefits though. Requiring employers to provide health insurance will result in fewer jobs available, and everyone will suffer. "
swan wrote on Dec 4, 2008 3:12 PM:
" cheney. I don't care about issues in terms of republican or democrat. I recognize that a lack of wide population based health insurance for people results in higher premiums to offset all of the uninsured care costs. I would prefer we stopped providing obligitory care. Obligating services is contrary to every other private venture. If you were running a restaurant, for example, should you be required to provide food to people? Even if they don't pay you? Food is a necessity as much as health care is. What about the pharmacists and the birth control pills? Should they be required to provide them? $23 Million/month is not a bargain when it could be $0. Based on the current system, $23 Million/month may in fact be a bargain, but I do not support the current system. Nor do I support selective government support. People do not have a birthright to have health care. Your quote "cut my taxes and if you die that's cool with me". People shouldn't be forced to take care of people, and therefore I tend to support this ideal. If you can't support yourself, you shouldn't be here. Move back in with your parents. And if you can't support kids, don't have them - I support parental licensing. Unregulated population is a drain on us all. It's modern Darwinism - Survival of the Intelligent - have less kids. "
mstercor wrote on Dec 4, 2008 4:35 PM:
" i work in a medical office that takes state ins. obgyn clinic. i have fellings for both sides of this fence.i see women on their 6th and up kid. i think the state should pay for 2 kids and the rest are on you. i also see the people who really need the help that doesnt take advantage of the system. and they cant get it cause jane doe is on her 6th kid and the money has to go there.it is infuriating. "
dude wrote on Dec 4, 2008 5:42 PM:
" Don't worry people, Obama will give us the money we need. Maybe even a little more. When the depression begins I hope they have chicken soup. I like chicken soup. "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:14 PM:
" Swan why don't you go back to 19th century England, although there was no issue there because there really was no medical care available. I refer to Tiny Tim, would you have every one needing medical care left to the good heart of Mr. Scrooge. I think you would and proud of it in the true spirit of the season and your hero Anne Colter. But I only know you from your posting, you're probably a lot worse in person, much, much worse in person. "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:13 PM:
" Yes polititions are over paid... give them a pay cut. Also, my kids only were taken to doctors when I didn't know what to do. I kept those little strip stitches around for those little cuts that only need a stitch or two... the bigger cuts went to doctor to make sure there were no nerve damages. If someone is sick, go to the store, not the doctor, unless you know it is more the a bug... I mean they can't give you antibiotics for everything, it reduces your immune systems ability to heal itself. Since I quit getting them darn flue shots, I have been sick twice in the past five years. The times I got the flue shot, it worked... I got the darn flue and swore off them. Doctors are over rated. you have pain? why? think people and quit draining our medical funding... you might need that when you are old and they make you pay co-pays that are equal to the government payments, pay for your prescriptions and other health needs (yes the medicare patients do pay these things... it is not all covered). "
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