For those of you who missed it, the Day of Activism on January 30th was incredibly informative and motivating! Between the excellent guest speakers, the education we received on the legislative agenda, and the surprising dry weather, the group of about sixty activists were ready to tackle the issues with our legislatures.
As you have seen in previous posts from last week, SB6241/HB2435, the bills aimed at Capping Out of Pocket Expenses are gaining traction! The testimony at the public hearing was attended by a coalition of consumers (including representatives of the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society) sharing their stories and the impact that the costs of chronic illnesses have on their lives. Please share your story with your representatives and let them know that you support these bills.
The National MS Society has also thrown its support (along with Healthy Washington Coalition) behind consumer driven development of the Health Insurance Exchange required by the Affordable Care Act in 2014. It is crucial that the exchanges are developed to serve the consumer and patients’ interests and not hi-jacked by the insurance companies.
As we have for the past few years, we were again begging our legislatures to STOP the CUTS to the state’s safety net programs. With Basic Health, Disability Lifeline, and aspects of Medicaid on the line, NOW is the time to take a stand. Did you know the state is considering ending the prescription benefits for Medicaid? That alone will devastate the MS Community.
Right now is when your legislators need to hear from you! Call 800-562-6000, visit, or email http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx (click here to find your legislators) and let them know that they MUST protect the state safety net programs!
Stay tuned for updates on the current legislative session and what to follow for the upcoming election in November. It’s Time for Action! Washington.
Cheers - Holly
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