Turns out, “affordable healthcare” is code for “higher premiums”—and thanks to the Dems, it’s about to cost you a whole lot more.
Democrats to Your Wallet: “Prepare for Impact”
Get ready for another cost increase—and you can thank the Democrats for it. If you’re one of the 280,000 Washingtonians relying on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, expect a 10.7% average jump in your health insurance premiums for 2025. Some unlucky folks will see increases as high as 24% (thanks, United Healthcare of Oregon!), while others might face a more “modest” 5.7% hike (Molina Healthcare of Washington). And if you’re with Regence BlueShield, prepare for nearly a 23% jump.
These skyrocketing premiums are just the latest consequence of Democrats’ failure to control the spiraling costs of healthcare. According to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, “tough choices” are needed—but Democrats are nowhere to be found when it comes to making the tough calls. Instead, their policies are piling up the expenses, leaving Washingtonians to foot the bill.
OIC Communications Manager Aaron VanTuyl claims rising healthcare costs and more people seeking care are to blame for the rate increases. But why are more people seeking care than ever before? Democrats have decided to expand the Apple Health program to cover undocumented immigrants, sticking Washington taxpayers with the $72 million bill. Medicaid isn’t available to people here illegally, but Democrats found a way around that—Apple Health Expansion, funded entirely by state taxpayers.
With open enrollment starting Nov. 1, you might be eligible for subsidies, but it’s clear: the Democrats’ reckless policies are driving up costs and putting an even bigger burden on Washington families. Thanks to them, healthcare is getting more expensive, and there’s no end in sight. Read more at Center Square.
From “Defund” to “Refund”: Seattle’s New $50K Bounty for Cops They Drove Away
Who could have predicted that far-left extremists’ grand experiment of defunding the police in Seattle would end in a desperate scramble to recruit officers with cash incentives? After slashing the budget and bleeding officers, the Seattle City Council is now debating paying up to $50,000 to lure experienced cops back through lateral hiring. That’s right, the same council that cheered the defund the police movement is now desperately trying to reattract police officers to their city. They even admit that without these incentives, they can’t attract the recruits they need. Turns out, staffing a police force isn’t so easy when officers are leaving faster than you can replace them. Even with these offers, SPD is still losing more officers than they’re hiring. And, given the ongoing anti-law enforcement sentiments in city leadership, who could blame them? Read more at Center Square.
Key Debates to Watch this Month
Washington voters have several key statewide debates coming up this week, including for governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and lands commissioner. The second gubernatorial debate between Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. in Spokane. The event will be broadcast across multiple TV stations and streamed online. Earlier that day, debates for superintendent of public instruction, attorney general, and lands commissioner will take place as part of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Policy Summit, starting at 11 a.m. These debates will also be streamed via TVW. The Washington State Debate Coalition is hosting an attorney general debate Thursday at 8 p.m. at Seattle Central College, which will be aired by FOX 13. Additional debates for other races, including Seattle City Council and superintendent of public instruction, are also planned for later in the month. Read more at the Washington State Standard.
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- The hosts dive into regulations with Patrick McLaughlin, Director of Policy Analytics at the Mercatus Center. Patrick discusses his latest project on state-level regulations and their economic impacts. How does Washington compare to its neighbors? Do regulators care about stifling progress, or are regulations necessary? Patrick addresses critics and offers insights on improving the regulatory landscape, especially in a blue state.
- Judge Dave Larson joins the podcast to discuss his run for the Washington State Supreme Court, his journey into law, and the realities of judicial elections. He also touches on bias in the judiciary, legal news on ballot initiatives, and whether legal shows get it right. Finally, he shares ideas for improving the justice system.
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