In the news

Healthcare affordability is shaping decisions employers are making about jobs, growth, and compensation across Eastern Washington.

National survey data shows cost continues to affect whether people access needed healthcare services.

As employers continue to face significant uncertainties in healthcare benefit expenses, Premera is working across the industry to address underlying cost drivers.

The U.S. is projected to face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 doctors, raising concerns about future access to care.

Proposed new health care taxes could raise costs for workers and employers, making Washington less — not more — affordable.

Between 2022 and 2024, national health spending grew by $692 billion, with hospital care accounting for about 40% of that growth, underscoring the role hospital costs play in affordability trends.

Washington healthcare leaders discuss today’s challenges and why there’s still reason for optimism despite funding cuts.

Extending premium tax credits means Alaska families can keep their health coverage instead of choosing between insurance and everyday essentials.

U.S. healthcare spending reached $5.3 trillion with strong year-over-year growth, underscoring systemic affordability pressures.

Rising health care costs, taxes, and regulations are putting growing pressure on Washington employers and the coverage they provide workers.

Rising health care costs and policy pressures are forcing Washington employers to shoulder an unsustainable share of coverage costs.

Annual premiums for employer-sponsored family coverage reached nearly $27,000, highlighting continued pressure on employers and workers.

Without action from Congress, expiring premium tax credits could price thousands of Washington families out of health coverage.

Without federal tax credits, thousands of Alaskans could lose affordable coverage and face steep premium increases.

Patients report difficulty finding providers, getting appointments, and navigating logistics, highlighting non-financial access challenges.

If enhanced premium tax credits expire, tens of thousands of Alaskans could face massive premium hikes and risk losing coverage.

The Milliman Medical Index estimates the total annual healthcare cost for a typical employer-sponsored plan at $35,119 for a family of four and $7,871 per average individual, highlighting continued cost pressure for employers and workers.

Hospital prices in commercial markets remain high and continue to grow, contributing significantly to healthcare spending increases.

If Congress lets premium tax credits expire, many Spokane families could see major premium hikes or lose health coverage altogether.

Site neutrality refers to paying the same price for the same service regardless of care setting. Differences in payment rates between hospital outpatient departments and physician offices continue to drive policy discussion around affordability.

Tracking surveys examine how premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs affect consumers’ real-world healthcare experiences.

Many Americans report concern about medical bills and unexpected costs, highlighting how affordability directly affects confidence and peace of mind when seeking care.