Kilmer Statement on Health Insurance News for Washington state

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after Premera announced they will file plans for Washington state’s 2018 individual health insurance market in Grays Harbor County. It was also reported that for the 2018 individual and family health insurance market the average proposed rate increase will be 22.3 percent.  

“Folks in Washington state deserve a government that is fighting for them to have access to affordable healthcare, not one that is playing politics with insurance markets,” said Kilmer. “Today folks in our region heard that coverage will still be offered in Grays Harbor County next year, which matters for those who were worried that they would lose access to care. Unfortunately, Washingtonians also discovered that rates are going to jump double digits on many health plans. This is unacceptable for someone wondering whether to pay for groceries or medication they need. Or the parents worried about whether they can simply continue taking their child to the doctor. I wasn’t in Congress when the Affordable Care Act passed but I am committed to fixing our healthcare system so affordable, quality coverage can be in reach of people in our region and our state.” ---press release issued June 19th
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-health-insurance-news-for-washington-state_



Advocacy notebook: 
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS $43.3M IN GRANTS TO PROVIDE EMPLOYER-DRIVEN TRAINING, SUPPORT REINTEGRATION OF HOMELESS VETERANS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the award of $43.3 million in grants through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service to provide training to an estimated 21,000 homeless veterans to help them reintegrate into the American workforce. In all, the department’s 2017 award will fund 155 grants in its Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/vets/vets20170619

HUD REPORT CALLS FOR GREATER ACTION, TO REDUCE INJURIES TO SENIORS IN THE HOME
 WASHINGTON - Approximately one-third of adults age 65 years or older fall in their home, resulting in injury, long-term disability and premature institutionalization. By 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the cost related to these kinds of injuries to be nearly $60 billion a year. In an effort to reduce and prevent falls and their associated costs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today released a wide-ranging report recommending a more holistic approach to seniors aging-in-place and their health needs.
https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2017/HUDNo_17-047

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