We are very excited to announce that WAHA has been recommended by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a federal grant award to fund a new Care Transitions program called Project Impact.
This is a multi-year award of up to $5.7 million that will reimburse the cost of assisting patients to make safe transitions between care settings, such as from hospital to home.
We would like to thank our many community partners in this venture. Stay tuned for more information on Project Impact!
Learn why early dental care is critical in this commentary by the Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition, featured in the Bellingham Herald. WAHA is proud to be a part of the Oral Health Coalition; learn more about dental resources here.
What will health care in Whatcom County look like in 2012? WAHA’s Executive Director Larry Thompson gives his predictions in this article from the Bellingham Herald.
WAHA is proud to present a new video about Whatcom Project Access – a program that links uninsured, low income people with donated specialty care from the medical community. For a limited time, donations to support Whatcom Project Access will be matched by the St. Luke’s Foundation.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has been taking exciting first steps toward designing the new health insurance marketplace that will launch in January 2014, currently called the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange, or the Exchange. This fall, the HCA is inviting small employers from around the state to play an important role in the development of the Exchange.
The Exchange will provide a consumer-friendly online portal allowing people to easily compare their health insurance choices and enroll in what works best for them. Individuals will also have access to tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies to make coverage more affordable. Another part of the Exchange called the Small Business Health Options Program (or SHOP) will allow small businesses with up to 50 employees to purchase group health insurance for their employees.
If you are an employer with up to 50 employees, the HCA wants to hear what you think about health insurance for your employees. Your input will help the HCA make important decisions about the design of the new Exchange and the SHOP.
How You Can Help
• Step 1 – Take a quick survey
This brief yet powerful survey is being sent to over 30,000 small employers around the state, soliciting opinions about potential Exchange elements. The HCA strongly believes that getting the direct, personal input of employers like you upfront will be key to helping them shape an effective Exchange.
• Step 2 – If you have 5 – 50 employees, you will have the opportunity at the end of the survey to sign up for one of eight focus groups happening in mid-November and receive $100 for your time. Each of these 90-minute sessions is limited to 24 participants and will give small employers an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions regarding health insurance for their employees. You’ll find more details and sign up instructions within the survey.
To ensure objectivity throughout the process, an independent consulting firm, Milliman, will be conducting the survey and focus groups.
Thank you in advance for taking time to share your thoughts! The HCA looks forward to receiving feedback from as many employers as possible.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment period is early this year. Attend one of our free sessions to learn tips for reviewing your coverage options. Meetings are taking place across Whatcom County now –the final session will be Monday, November 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway in Bellingham. Click here for a complete schedule.
During the Annual Enrollment Period, from October 15th to December 7th, Medicare enrollees can join, switch, or drop their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and/or Advantage Plan for 2012. We can help enrollees review their current plans and compare them with other options.
SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a free, unbiased, confidential service of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner hosted by WAHA. You can also call 788-6533 for one-on-one assistance from one of our knowledgeable volunteers.
There is a forum in Whatcom County that is convening to discuss how bring wellness awareness into the community. They would like to invite other interested citizens into the conversation. Anybody with an interest in the area of wellness is welcome to attend. If you would like to participate please email Elya Moore.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period starts early this year, and SHIBA is here to help.
SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a free, unbiased, confidential service of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner hosted by the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access.
During the Annual Enrollment Period, from October 15th to December 7th, Medicare enrollees can join, switch, or drop their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and/or Advantage Plan for 2012. We can help enrollees review their current plans and compare them with other options.
The fliers below provide a listing of educational events for the general public and for service providers. New and existing Medicare enrollees can also call 788-6533 to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
The WA State Health Care Authority is offering public education meetings regarding the Health Benefits Exchange. Part of the Affordable Care Act, the Exchange will create a new “one-stop shop” for individuals and small businesses to buy health insurance.
These meetings will take place in various locations across the state during the week of September 12th. The governor’s office, HCA, consumers and small businesses will share their perspectives on the Exchange. A substantial portion of the meetings will be dedicated to the public’s questions and comments.
The Bellingham meeting will take place Wednesday, 9/14/2011 from 6:00-8:00pm at Western Washington University, Arntzen Hall (516 High St).
Click here for a full list of meeting dates and locations.
Low income community members now have another option for dental care, thanks to Whatcom Project Access Dental (WPAD). WPAD is a partnership between the Mt. Baker District Dental Society and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA). The project has just received significant grant funding from the Washington Dental Service Foundation to implement this new partnership.
There are several dental resources in the community, including Interfaith Community Health Center, Sea Mar Community Health Center, and dental programs at Bellingham Technical College. However, they are not able to meet the growing demand for dental care, resulting in many adults not getting the services they need.
WPAD will help meet this need by linking volunteer dentists with low income, uninsured Whatcom County residents who need restorative dental care, such as fillings.
