With new policy changes to Medicaid, and raising costs of medication, many Washingtonians might be asking if there is a better solution to the private healthcare model. Whole Washington, a healthcare advocacy group, has the answer: State run healthcare for all using existing tax structures. Through legislation, they would create the Washington Health Care Trust (WHCT), bridging the insurance gap for the estimated 480,000 residents without health insurance. 

“Whole Washington’s mission is to fix our broken healthcare system and replace it with one that is more like the systems we see in other developed countries that cover everyone at a lower cost,” said Whole Washington Executive Director Andre Stackhouse. “Our healthcare system should be based on fairness, patient wellbeing, and public health, not profits for insurance companies.”

Many Washingtonians describe themselves as “uninsured”, meaning they have not had any form of healthcare coverage for the last 12 consecutive months. Folks finding themselves in these situations list multiple reasons for their lack of coverage. Chief among these reasons: affordability, ineligibility, or not finding a plan that meets their needs. 

Whole Washington’s plan directly addresses every one of these needs. This state run insurance would provide affordable coverage utilizing existing state funds. By re-delegating capital gains tax funds and current payroll taxes, costs to residents are mitigated. For specific sources on funding and individual impact check out Whole Washington’s budget page.

Critics of state run health insurance may cite concerns over lack of coverage. Under the Whole Washington’s current proposal, coverage is expansive and thoughtful. All standards of basic medical are included, such as 24/7 emergency care, inpatient care or overnight stays at a medical facility, as well as outpatient care – which is typically yearly check ins and other wellness visits. 

Beyond this, the WHCT would include 100% coverage of generic prescriptions, with name brand drugs subject to a $250 yearly deductible. Vision, dental, audiology, and reproductive care are also included for no additional premium. This list is not exhaustive, the plans full coverage is generous. 

What about residents already benefiting from federally run programs like Medicaid? Coverage might not be as certain as you think. 

“The One Big Beautiful Bill will directly impact hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians at minimum. Its biggest impact will be on our state’s 1.8 million Medicaid (called Apple Health in Washington) recipients who may see their healthcare coverage decreased or even cut completely,” said Stackhouse. “Recent estimates are that as many as half a million residents may lose Apple Health coverage. This makes our work even more important as we demand of our legislature and governor that they act to protect the lives of the people who live here.”  

Under state managed insurance, healthcare becomes more approachable. With the Washington Health Care Trust, citizens do not need to worry if the closest hospital accepts their insurance plans. Doctors are able to suggest the best care for you, not just what your insurance covers. Health battles and emergency situations are shifted to personal concerns, not financial ones.

Similar single payer healthcare legislation has gained menial traction in years past. However, none have made it to ballot, due to lack of the necessary required signatures. Whole Washington will need 386,000 signatures to make it on the next round of voting cycles. 

If you are interested in supporting Whole Washington’s mission, non-visa bearing students can sign their pledge. All are welcome to volunteer and get in touch with Whole Washington. Most importantly, all Washingtonians can learn about the upcoming legislative proposal at www.wholewashington.org.