Health Care
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Healthy kids learn more in school. Healthy adults pay less for health care, contribute to building vibrant communities and live happier, more productive lives. In 2007, we heard from citizens across the state that having health care coverage is important, but that is not enough. Good health care also means affordable coverage and access to the medical services we all need.
What is state government’s role?
In the 1980s and 1990s Washington was a leader in providing health-care coverage. The state expanded coverage for low-income working families and children, and created a high-risk pool to hold down costs. When employer-based coverage began to decline, expanded public programs filled the gap for many families. Currently, Washington's public programs cover nearly 18 percent of state residents under 65 years old.
Washington’s current health care goals were articulated in January 2007 in the report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Cost and Access, co-chaired by Governor Gregoire.
What do we measure?
GMAP measures four main aspects of health care:
- Access (Example: Percent of Washingtonians who are insured)
- Healthy State (Example: Rate of deaths from heart attack or stroke)
- Quality (Example: Percent of patients who survive major trauma)
- Cost (Example: Rate of premium increases for public employees)
Click here to view more detail about the measures.