Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes constitute a crisis, one that requires the attention of health care providers, policymakers, and communities alike. In Seattle and across the nation, people of color suffer from higher rates of illness and mortality than their white counterparts. Health care institutions play a critical role in exacerbating or minimizingContinue reading “Equal Treatment? Seattle Hospitals Put to the Test”
Category Archives: Publications
Taking the Pulse of Main Street: Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform
Small business owners are considered a key voice in the public dialogue over health care reform. But where do small business owners stand on the issue? Taking the Pulse of Main Street reports results from a survey of 1,200 small business owners’ experiences with health insurance and perspectives on different reform proposals. The results showContinue reading “Taking the Pulse of Main Street: Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform”
The 2008 Job Gap: Tough Times for Northwest Families
The Northwest Job Gap Study calculates a basic family budget for different family structures. Based on this “living wage,” the study then estimates the number and proportion of job openings that provide a sufficient wage to support and individual or a family’s basic needs without relying on public assistance.
Insuring Health or Ensuring Profit?: A Snapshot of the Health Insurance Industry in the United States
The private health insurance industry is reaping record financial gains while people throughout the U.S. are struggling to meet their health care needs. This report takes a look at recent financial trends in our country’s health insurance industry, with information on national insurance companies and insurers in 26 states. The report recommends greater public oversightContinue reading “Insuring Health or Ensuring Profit?: A Snapshot of the Health Insurance Industry in the United States”
Insuring Health or Ensuring Profit?: A Look at the Financial Gains of Washington State’s Health Insurers
Washington State’s major health insurers are reaping record financial gains while covering fewer people. This report takes a look at recent financial trends in Washington’s health insurance industry, recommending greater public oversight of insurers and the creation of a public alternative to private insurance.
The Race for Wages, Living Wage Jobs in the Current Economy: 2007 Northwest Job Gap Study
This report takes a close look at jobs that currently exist in the economy, and brings to the forefront the question of whether these jobs are providing wages that can truly support individuals and families.
The Small Business Health Care Crisis in Washington: A Survey of Pike Place Market Businesses
Not even businesses in Seattle’s bustling, popular, and iconic Pike Place Market are immune from the health care crisis affecting small businesses across the country. Read about these owners’ experiences with health insurance, perspectives on reform, and support for public solutions.
2007 Northwest Job Gap Study: Living in the Red
Northwest Family Budgets Falling Behind Idaho Family Budgets Falling Behind Montana Family Budgets Falling Behind Oregon Family Budgets Falling Behind Washington Family Budgets Falling Behind The Northwest Job Gap Study calculates a basic family budget for different family structures. Based on this “living wage,” the study then estimates the number and proportion of job openingsContinue reading “2007 Northwest Job Gap Study: Living in the Red”
Montana’s Urban Indians Face Health Care Barriers
Indian people in Montana have long confronted barriers that prevent them from accessing needed care. The Northwest Federation of Community Organizations conducted research to determine what these barriers are and how commonly people encounter them. Research staff conducted a review of data, articles, and research studies and conducted in-depth interviews with 46 Missoula residents. ThisContinue reading “Montana’s Urban Indians Face Health Care Barriers”
Bar to a Healthy Future: Stories of the Immigrant Children Left Behind
This publication describes the experiences of just a few of the children who are left behind by the 1996 (pre-SCHIP) immigration-related restrictions. It also tells the stories of not-so-different children who have benefited from the wise investment in health insurance that should be available to all our young people.