The truth is Apple Health (expanded Medicaid) in Washington state and on the North Olympic Peninsula is working.
The truth is the Washington Health Insurance Exchange is working to provide health care to working people.
These programs are available through Washington Healthplanfinder — the official marketplace for health insurance under Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act).
The truth is the financial health of Olympic Medical Center and of Jefferson Healthcare has improved.
Charity care has decreased significantly.
These local hospitals are now getting paid for the good care they provide us on the North Olympic Peninsula.
The truth is insurance policies through these programs offer full coverage and preventive care.
The truth is the number of people in Washington without insurance has decreased from 14 percent in 2013 to about 5.8 percent in 2017, according to state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.
The truth is there are nine carriers offering plans in Washington’s health marketplace for 2017, according to www.healthinsurance.org.
The truth is enrollment in private plans through the exchange in 2017 increased by 13 percent from 2016.
The truth is that 1.9 million Washingtonians access health care coverage through Apple Health.
Washington is one of 17 states that have their own state-run exchanges.
The truth is the average premium in Washington increased by 8 percent in 2017, not 22 percent, as they did in the 38 states that do not have their own state-run exchange under Obamacare.
The truth is we have a congressman, Rep. Derek Kilmer, who is working to protect our health care.
You can thank him by going to https://kilmer.house.gov/contact/email-me.
Claire Roney,
Port Townsend
EDITOR’S NOTE: Roney is a psychologist who provides services through Medicaid and Medicare.