In September, the Healthcare Issues Team met with Owen Racer, the healthcare reporter from Cascadia Daily News. So many suggestions for issues to follow up on were offered! He certainly has his work cut out for him. If you missed it, a recording is available on the LWVBWC website . If you have information about healthcare in our area or suggestions about healthcare issues that should be looked into, contact him at owenracer@cascadiadaily.com.
Much is happening locally regarding healthcare. As previously reported, the County Council is considering whether to change the composition of the Health Department Board. Currently, the Board consists of the seven members of the County Council. It has been proposed that it be changed to include providers, public health representatives, and members of the community and the tribes. Also, in January, CMS will initiate a pilot program in several states, including Washington, that will increase the number of procedures that require prior authorization for persons covered by Traditional Medicare. Currently, few procedures require prior authorization. And of course there is the government shutdown. Hopefully, that will be over by the time this is published.
The next meeting of the Healthcare Issues Team will be Monday, October 20th, 10:00 to 11:30 am, on Zoom. James Hallett, a member of the EMS Oversight Board and President of the EMS Foundation of Whatcom County, will talk about the services EMS provides in our county, how they are financed, and the challenges of providing these services. Bring your questions. In November, Larry Wollencott with the Hearing Loss Association will speak to the group.
As always, we welcome your suggestions for topics and/or speakers or anything else you want to share.
