Summary

Need to invest in public health clinics, Children’s Health Initiative greater than ever

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips said the adopted state budget cuts 40,000 slots—more than 40 percent—from the state’s Basic Health Plan, which translates to more uninsured patients requiring subsidized care at King County’s Harborview Hospital and public health clinics as the county wrestles with its own budget crisis.

“With more families losing their incomes in this tough economy, this is the worst possible time to drastically reduce access to affordable health insurance for low income families,” said Phillips. “Without health insurance, families get desperate, showing up in emergency rooms with conditions that could have been prevented with access to primary care. This so-called ‘budget cut’ will actually end up costing more and puts citizens’ health at risk.”

The state’s Basic Health Plan offers low-cost health insurance to Washington’s working poor. The King County Children’s Health Initiative seeks to help enroll eligible uninsured children in subsidized health care programs such as Medicaid. Families can visit the County’s Children’s Health Initiative Web site to determine their child’s eligibility.

“We cannot afford to let King County’s children go without health insurance,” said Phillips. “King County has set a goal of ensuring every child has access to quality healthcare, but it will take a partnership with the state and federal governments to realize that crucial outcome for a brighter future.”

King County faces a $50 million budget deficit in 2010, which could result in cuts to funding for public health clinics, a safety net for the uninsured in King County.