The time has come for single-payer healthcare, Medicare for All, to cover all residents of our state. 

SB 5204 authored by Senator Hasegawa would do just that. Called “Whole Washington Healthcare Trust,” healthcare coverage would be available to anyone who wants it. It would cover hospitalization, doctor visits, dental, vision, mental/behavioral health, prescribed occupational and physical therapy, prescription drugs, medical devices, and rehabilitative care.

Except for just a few prescription drugs there would be no copay or deductibles.

How would it be paid for? 

A graduated premium paid by all adults making more than twice the poverty level, to a maximum of $200/month;

1 percent income tax on incomes over $15,000;

8.5 percent tax on capital income for families earning over $100,000; and

8.5 percent payroll premium on employers (less than half what they currently pay for covered workers).

It is estimated that Washington residents will save $41 billion in healthcare costs. 

How?

People without employment-based insurance will have their healthcare costs covered.

Employees will no longer pay into their insurance plans or pay for copay and deductibles.

Employers, including state, county and municipal employers, will pay a fraction of their current healthcare costs. Administrative costs to healthcare providers will be cut in half.

The United States is the only country, of the advanced countries in the world, that does not guarantee healthcare for all. We could lead the way.

I urge you to contact Senator Kevin Van De Wege (360-786-7646), and ask him to co-sponsor SB 5204. Also contact Representative Mike Chapman (360-786-7916), and Representative Steve Tharinger (360-786-7904), and urge that they actively support SB 5204 which would provide complete healthcare to all Washingtonians.

Gail Chatfield
PORT HADLOCK