October 25, 2024
Changing the System Begins by Building Relationships
Jennifer Hanscom, CEO
How many articles have you read lately that start with the line "The health care system is changing..."? Yes, I admit at the WSMA we overuse that phrase. In fact, hasn't health care already changed? When I look at what is happening in the larger environment, what I see is policymakers who are trying to control the cost of health care by setting their sights on physicians, clinics, and hospitals, when, in reality, money is leaving the system.
As you'll soon read in the November/December issue of WSMA Reports, health care organizations increasingly rely on for-profit companies, including pharmaceuticals, EHR vendors, medical device manufacturers, technology consultants, and more, and these third-party vendors are rapidly driving up the cost of care while reimbursement for those who provide the care is rapidly declining.
How do we-in fact, can we-change this dynamic? I believe we can, but it won't be overnight, and it will take all of us in medicine working together to force change.
I'm so excited for this upcoming issue of WSMA Reports to hit your mailboxes so you can read more about what physician leaders believe needs to occur to evolve our current health care system for the benefit of patient care and the profession.
What's the WSMA's role in all of this? As I see it: Prepare the profession with the skills they need to be advocates within their clinics, systems, and organizations; and, secondly, fix the environment that is causing the system to be dysfunctional in the first place.
On the latter, as we have shared throughout this past year, policymakers and legislators are seeking ways to control cost in health care. We must show them the correct path and we need them to listen to and trust us-and that starts with building relationships.
Our political action committee, WAMPAC, headed by Alex Wehinger, has spent the last several months connecting our members with candidates seeking legislative or statewide office. Below Alex shares an update on what lies ahead.
Elections Are Less Than Two Weeks Away! Here's What You Need to Know
Alex Wehinger, WAMPAC Director
Ballots for the 2024 general election have been mailed to voters, featuring several initiatives and numerous candidates for office. Regardless of the outcome of the elections, Washington state will have a new governor, attorney general, and insurance commissioner for the first time in over a decade. There are also more than 100 seats in the Legislature up for election and a new House Health Care Committee chair yet to be determined.
WAMPAC, WSMA's nonpartisan campaign arm, works year-round to build connections with elected officials and ensure our state is the best place to practice medicine and receive care. Our work on campaigns helps promote WSMA's legislative agenda, which includes increasing Medicaid rates, defending against inappropriate scope of practice proposals, and supporting the health care workforce. The outcome of these elections impacts health care policy decisions and, ultimately, how care is delivered.
In addition to our standard campaign work, the WSMA is also engaging on two of this year's ballot initiatives pursuant to policy adopted by the House of Delegates. A resolution was approved by the 2024 House of Delegates directing the WSMA to oppose Initiative 2109, which would repeal the state's capital gains tax. During House debate, it was noted that passage of the initiative would significantly impact the state's budget, as the capital gains tax generates annual revenue of around $900 million. The WSMA also opposes Initiative 2117, which would repeal the state's Climate Commitment Act, pursuant to policy adopted at the 2018 House of Delegates.
Election resources
We know you care about electing candidates friendly to the physician community. Want to know how your state legislators supported the house of medicine during the 2023-24 legislative biennium? WAMPAC can help. As you fill out your ballot, be sure to check out the WAMPAC Legislator Report Card, which details your legislators' track record on issues important to you and your patients.
As a reminder, the general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you need to register to vote, there's information about how to do so on the secretary of state's website. Voting in Washington state occurs by mail, so the outcomes of some elections may not be determined on election night as ballots continue to be counted over several days.
If you are interested in becoming more involved in campaigns, you can join the Diamond Club at the bronze level for a discounted rate of $100 for a limited time. Diamond Club members receive special election updates, opportunities to connect with elected officials, recognition at WSMA events, and more.
Join the WAMPAC board of directors
WAMPAC is governed by a board of physicians representing each of the state's 10 congressional districts and whose responsibilities are to direct campaign activities, such as candidate interviews and contributions. The board has several open positions and is seeking applicants to represent the 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, and Skamania counties, and the 5th Congressional District, which comprises all or part of 12 counties in Eastern Washington. You can locate your congressional district here by entering your home address.
For those who are interested in politics, board membership provides an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of campaigns and connect with elected officials and candidates for office. The WAMPAC board holds two in-person meetings per year and Zoom meetings as needed.
If you are interested in seeking a position on the WAMPAC board of directors or have any questions about our campaign work, please reach out to me.