WAHA News.org - Read WAHA e-newsletters which are sent out regularly with up to date information on healthcare access issues in Whatcom County.
WAHA Media Archive - Read articles about WAHA and healthcare in our community.
WAHA Web News Archive - This section contains an archive of news items previously posted on our website.
SHIBA HelpLine Volunteer Updates - Review Newsletters sent to SHIBA HelpLine Volunteers
Media Archive
Bellingham Herald
- Some things you should know about health care reform law - June 2010 (pdf)
- Time to engage thoughtfully on needed healthcare reform - Aug 2009 (pdf)
- Small businesses support some kind of healthcare reform - July 2009 (pdf)
- Fair and equitable healthcare system is needed - July 2009 (pdf)
- Lynch named Whatcom Medical Society president for 2009; Zoro Reappointed to WWU Board - Feb 2009 (pdf)
- Healthcare Coverage for State's Children Expanding - Sep 2008 (pdf)
- State Brings Children's Medical Bus Tour to Bellingham KidsFest - August 2008 (pdf)
- Kids' Health Care Effort Threatened - Feb 2008 (pdf)
- Health program ‘a bright light - May 2006 (pdf)
- Ferndale schools'
health initiative worth
imitating - Apr 2006 (pdf)
- Nonprofit, Ferndale schools join
to find kids healthcare
coverage - Apr 2006 (pdf)
- Retirement doesn't slow this volunteer - Mar 2006 (pdf)
- Volunteers learn about health insurance, how to advise others - Feb 2006 (pdf)
- Alliance for Healthcare Access takes action -Dec 2005 (pdf)
- Q & A: Making sense of Medicare's new drug plan- Nov 2005 (pdf)
- Group Ensures Medical Care for Needy - Nov 2005 (pdf)
- Project Access a step to broader care- Nov 2005 (pdf)
- Group aims to ensure medical
care for needy - Sep 2005 (pdf)
- Project Access a step to
broader health care - Sep 2005 (pdf)
- Community group seeks solutions - June 2005 (pdf)
- Uninsured problem plagues health care -June 2005 (pdf)
Seattle Times
St. Joseph Hospital Health Today
Whatcom County Business Pulse
- The
Health Care System’s “Perfect Storm (pdf)
- Health
Savings Accounts…A Potential Health
Insurance Option for Small Employers (pdf)
- Advocating Nationally, Acting Locally….The
Need For Local Solutions to Healthcare Access (pdf)
- Comprehensive
Bipartisan Action is Needed for Medical Malpractice Reform (pdf)
- Preserving Private Medical Practice Involvement
in Community Safety Net Care (pdf)
- Is
the Medical Malpractice Crisis Real? It is in Whatcom
County! (pdf)
- A
Community Response to the Crisis of Eroding Healthcare Access (pdf)
WAHA Newsletters
- Spring, 2004 (pdf)
- Fall, 2003 (pdf)
- Spring, 2003 - (pdf)
- E-Newsletter archive at WAHANews.org
WAHA Web News Archive
April 1 2, 2010
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To help address the issue of widespread tooth decay in children, WAHA is launching a partnership with the Whatcom County Health Department to expand outreach and linkage for the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program in Whatcom County. This program was made possible by an ABCD Growth Grant from the Washington Dental Service (WDS) Foundation. Click here to read more.
March 22, 2010
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Visit Washington Insurance Blog, the official blog of Washington State's Office of the Insurance Commissioner to learn how healthcare reform will affect residents of Washington.
Click here to view all of WAHA's health reform resources.
December 7, 2009
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WAHA is pleased to announce it has been awarded grant funding for two new initiatives.
Funds from the Mt. Baker Imaging Health Innovation Fund (through the Whatcom Community Foundation) will support a local assessment of barriers to primary care and plans to implement solutions for opening up access.
The Washington Dental Service Foundation has awarded funds to expand the Access to Baby and Children's Dentistry program. In conjunction with the Whatcom Co. Oral Health Coalition, WAHA will expand access counseling to include targeted oral health educational efforts for families with children from birth to age six.
November 25, 2009
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The Kaiser Family Foundation has released a side-by-side comparison of the Senate and House Leadership Bills for healthcare reform.
November 6, 2009
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WAHA's Health Policy Committee has reviewed and commented on the recently released HR 3692, Affordable Health Care For America Act.
Visit the Health Policy Education section for more information and a link to the full bill.
Click here to review a press release about WAHA's assessment of the bill.
September 8, 2009
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Governor Gregoire's office has announced that Washington will receive $34.7 million from the federal government to provide health insurance to employees of small businesses. Click here to read the full press release from the governor's office.
June 8, 2009
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Basic Health announced today that it will increase rates to address the $238 million budget cut. This
rate increase will allow continued coverage for enrollees. Click Here for more information.
April 10, 2009
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Recession-related job losses are threatening health coverage for many families. To help workers maintain their health coverage while they are between jobs, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a 65% reduction in the premiums payable by involuntarily terminated workers and their families for health care continuation coverage under COBRA. Click here for more information.
March 5, 2009
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As an organization concerned about healthcare, WAHA invites you to participate in this questionnaire, which was presented in nationwide community discussions as a part of the Obama-Biden Transition Project. This is a confidential and non-partisan survey. Your participation is greatly valued and your responses will be shared with our community and elected officials.
Survey results coming soon.
September 8 , 2008
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WAHA is pleased to welcome Kerri Lenderman as Executive Director. Kerri has served as an active member of WAHA's Leadership Board for 3 years and brings with her a wealth of expertise in Medicare insurance, policy research and advocacy at the federal level. Kerri is committed to improving access to healthcare at the local and statewide level and we are excited to have her on board.
July 16 , 2008
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The Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access was recently selected to receive a donation of $3,000 from the Unity Group of Bellingham. These funds were distributed as a part of Regence BlueShield's Ovation Broker Bonus Program and will be used for children's healthcare outreach.
April 3, 2008
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The School Outreach Bill, ESSB 5100, was signed into law by Governor Gregoire today. This bill requires public schools to ask whether students have health insurance & inform parents of uninsured children about Medicaid and SCHIP. The program will be piloted in up to six school districts during the 2008-09 school year. Click here to read the text of the bill.
October 2 , 2007
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Gov. Chris Gregoire said Washington and seven other states will sue the Bush administration over restrictions on health coverage for children. Gregoire said the government arbitrarily imposed new rules that prevent states from expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, a federal program that partners with the states to provide health care for kids. More than 8,000 Washington children could be affected by the outcome, she said. Click here to read the full Herald article.
September 20, 2007
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Two of Washington, DC’s most prominent health policy organizations announced that they are organizing “Health Care 2008: Presidential Candidate Forums” – a series of Presidential Forums that will allow each Presidential candidate to discuss in detail his or her vision about health reform and the uninsured with a panel of leading health journalists from “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer,” ABC News, National Public Radio, and The Wall Street Journal. Click here to read the full announcement.
September 13, 2007
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Efforts by Congress to reach a compromise regarding State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation have stalled due to questions surrounding how to pay for the program with cuts to Medicare. Click here to read the latest newsletter from Cover The Uninsured (a nonprofit organization working to help get eligible uninsured kids enrolled in Medicaid and SCHIP).
August 13, 2007
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4 p.m.-6 p.m., Mon, Sept. 17th: Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine Volunteer Open House. Insurance can be confusing, scary and expensive. SHIBA HelpLine volunteers give free, impartial advice to consumers about insurance options for seniors, families with kids, working people, low-income people, and more. At this open house, learn about the range of SHIBA HelpLine volunteer opportunities, enjoy refreshments, and get your volunteering questions answered. For more information call 715-6533.
August 6, 2007
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The Senate passed a bipartisan bill on Thursday that would provide health insurance for millions of children in low-income families, with a vote of 68 to 31. Click here to read the latest newsletter from Cover The Uninsured (a nonprofit organization working to help get eligible uninsured kids enrolled in Medicaid and SCHIP).
July 17, 2007
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Help make a difference in the community where you live. Get the training you need to become a valuable SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) volunteer and help others gain access to the health care coverage they need and deserve. Become part of a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate, assist, and advocate for consumers regarding their rights and options about health insurance and health care access, so they can make informed choices. Volunteer and see firsthand the ways you can make a difference in the lives of others. Click here to read the full announcement.
June 14 , 2007
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Thousands of Washington residents will have increased access to health care, thanks to a series of grant awards. Ten non-profit community-based health care organizations (including WAHA) will receive a total of $1.4 million under a new program administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority. Click here to read the full announcement.
April 25, 2007
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We welcome Nancy Steiger to Whatcom County as chief executive officer of St. Joseph Hospital. The hospital named her to replace Nancy Bitting, who is retiring. Steiger will start working July 1. Click here to read the full Bellingham Herald editorial.
November 29 , 2006
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If you or your client is home-bound due to the weather and running out of life-sustaining medications (such as those for diabetes or heart disease), the Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management can arrange for a delivery by Search and Rescue volunteers, 676-6681.
November 7 , 2006
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Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Nov. 15-Dec. 31
The Whatcom Medicare D Coalition will present, “Time to Consider Changes: Medicare Part D in 2007,” 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 16, at the St. Luke’s Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. The session is free and open to all Medicare beneficiaries, their families and advocates. Click here to read the press release. For help deciding which plan is right for you, click here for the Medicare D Rx Plan Finder Worksheet.
October 9, 2006
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Local organizations, healthcare providers and patients will be featured in the third episode of “Remaking American Medicine,” a four-part documentary series that presents inspiring stories about people working to make the healthcare system more effective. Shown nationwide on PBS (Public Broadcasting System) stations, the series will be aired serially on KCTS, 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8, 15, 22 and Nov. 5. The episode featuring Whatcom County innovations will air Oct. 22. For more information about the documentary series click here, and for updated viewing times, click here.
October 5, 2006
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Nancy Stothart, R.N., interim coordinator for Whatcom Project Access, is a featured expert in a new book, The Anatomy of Medical Error: Preventing Harm with People-Based Patient Safety, by E. Scott Geller and Dave Johnson. The authors interviewed Stothart to learn how medical professionals can coach patients to better self-manage their own healthcare. Click here for more information about the book.
September 28, 2006
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Premiums, deductibles, co-pays and prescription drug costs will soon rise for workers with employer-sponsored health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. The cost of providing employees with health insurance continues to outpace inflation, but most employers are choosing to pass along new costs to workers rather than drop health benefits altogether. Read full report here.
September 6 , 2006
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The 2004 Washington State Legislature expanded the "Good Samaritan" Law to provide increased malpractice immunity to physicians who participate in Project Access. For more information about the impact of the "Good Samaritan" Law on Project Access see a brief article by Mary R. Giannini, partner at the Spokane law firm Witherspoon, Kelley, Davenport, and Toole, P.S. Read article here (pdf).
September 5 , 2006
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The Bellingham School District partners with WAHA to encourage families to connect with free, confidential services to get health insurance for their children. Read press release here.
May 10 , 2006
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The SHIBA HelpLine and WAHA are offering informal workshops for front office staff and other community agencies to help clients answer health insurance questions. May 17 will cover Health Insurance for Kids at the Health Ed. Center. View the schedule here (pdf).
May 9 , 2006
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View the June 9, 2006 Community Summit on Oral Health flyer here.
May 1 , 2006
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Deadline to sign up for Medicare Part D is May 15! If you have Medicare A and/or B and have high prescription drug costs, consider joining a Medicare Part D insurance plan. Time's Running Out Flyer (pdf)
March 7 , 2006
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Exorbitant medical malpractice premium costs have directly contributed to the healthcare access problem in our community.
WAHA has worked to encourage the state legislature to pass a package of reforms designed to bring down the cost of these premiums.
Med Mal compromise bill summary (pdf)
Comparison of Med Mal Initiatives (pdf)
Medical Malpractice Reform Paper (pdf)
February 23, 2006
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Read WAHA's briefing paper on the connection between access to Medicare physicians and reimbursement rates. Click here to read the paper.
February 22, 2006
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The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine and other nonprofit and government agencies offer the “Understanding Your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Options” workshop for Mandarin-language speakers. The event is free and open to the public.
February 16, 2006
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The Whatcom SHIBA HelpLine will host an open house on March 1 for anyone interested in becoming a SHIBA HelpLine volunteer.
Interested people may find out more by attending the open house at the WAHA office where refreshments will be provided.
For more information, call 788-6533 or email.
February 9, 2006
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The SHIBA HelpLine is looking for new volunteers! Contact the SHIBA office at (360) 788-6532 for more information.
January 19, 2006
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The Whatcom SHIBA HelpLine has created a tool to help advocates trouble-shoot prescription drug problems for Medicare/Medicaid dual eligible clients: Medicare D Dual Eligible Triage (pdf).
December 13, 2005
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Need help narrowing down Medicare Part D prescription drug plan options?
Click here for a helpful worksheet (pdf).
Click here for SHIBA's Part D 2006 Workshops (pdf).
November 15, 2005
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Medicare Reimbursement rates are one of the top issues that the WAHA Health Policy Education Group is discussing. Read their position paper here.
November 5, 2005
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Whatcom County welcomes Dr. Urnes at North Cascades Cardiology and Dr. Hiemstra, a new D.O. at the Birch Bay office of Lynden Family Medicine! Learn more about the Recruitment and Retention Program.
November 1, 2005
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Sorting out Medical Malpractice Proposals: WAHA's perspective on Initiatives I-330 and I-336.
Read the position paper here (pdf)
Compare the Initiatives here(pdf)
July 25, 2005
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WAHA recognized Sen. Dale Brandland and Rep. Kelli Linville for their dedication to increasing healthcare access for the people of Whatcom County. Click here to learn more (pdf).
July 1, 2005
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WAHA establishes preliminary 2006 Legislative Priorities.
June 21, 2005
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New strategic partnership with WWU Small Business Development Center aimed at physician recruitment.
June 20, 2005
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WAHA has successful 2005 Legislative Session in Olympia!
February 15, 2005
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Doctor and Lawyer
agree on WAHA Med Mal proposal.
Bellingham
Herald Article (pdf)
Review
the proposal (pdf)
February 7, 2005
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WAHA "Preserving Private Practice Involvement in the Safety Net" legislative
proposal receives bipartisan support from entire Whatcom delegation!
Review the proposal (pdf).
December 14, 2004
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WAHA Study Group publishes "Med Mal" Proposal.
Review the proposal (pdf).
August 15, 2004
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WAHA joins with other Washington State communities
to form "Communities
Connect." Click here to learn more about Communities Connect.
SHIBA HelpLine Volunteer Updates
School Newsletters
"Health Insurance is a Family Matter" - pdf (Bellingham A2)