Washington's set of tiered public plans will cover “standard services” while offering coverage at a cost up to 10 percent less than comparable private insurance. (Photo: ShutterstocK)
The debate in Washington about how to fix the health care system continues to rage on, with various options proposed and debated. Across the country, the state of Washington is taking actions, implementing the first public option for its residents.
According to the Associated Press, the new option will be universally available to residents regardless of income by 2021. The set of tiered public plans will cover “standard services” while offering coverage at a cost up to 10 percent less than comparable private insurance. That lower cost is due in part to the fact that providers are subject to a cap on rates they can charge to customers.
The plan has already been approved by the state legislature, with Governor Jay Inslee expected to sign it into law.
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Marlene Satter
Marlene Y. Satter has worked in and written about the financial industry for decades.
