WSLC President Jeff Johnson testifes at packed hearing.

It was a full house on Friday as the House Health Care Committee met for a public hearing on several bills including House Bill 1085 which would establish the Washington State Health Security Health Trust. This would be an alternative to federal health care reform and extend health insurance coverage to all state citizens.

Federal reform allows a state to seek waivers beginning in January 2017 and the legislation would require Washingto State to seek a waiver for the proposed WHST. All employers and most state residents must pay a health security assessment to the Department of Revenue to finance the WHST. A new WHST Board would develop and implement a premium subsidy system for residents with incomes less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

Among the many people who spoke in support was Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council. Jeff lamented that even with federal reform, many citizens will still be uninsured and stated, “A single payer system is the only way we get to universal, comprehensive and affordable care.” He requested one amendment, prohibiting the privatization of the administration of the WHST.

Few beieve the bill has any chance of passing this year.

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