This report analyzes the Medicaid waiver proposed by the Governor and the Department of Health and Welfare. This report predicts that, for those who rely on Medicaid, the proposal will lead to increased costs, may restrict benefits, and is likely to cause many people to forgo needed medical care. The waiver is also likely toContinue reading “Don’t Waiver on Medicaid: Governor Kempthorne’s Proposal for Medicaid Puts Idaho at Risk”
Category Archives: Publications
In Our Own Words: Immigrants’ Experiences in the Northwest
Politicians and the media paint conflicting pictures of the influence of immigrants on our communities and the economy, and argue whether and how the nation should welcome or discourage immigration. As this debate grows louder, seldom heard are the voices of immigrants themselves. Download the report.
Protect Idaho Farmworkers from Harmful Pesticides
Farmworkers are a crucial part of Idaho’s economic success and integral to our communities. A lack of adequate protections in Idaho leaves farmworkers vulnerable to accidental pesticide exposure, which causes immediate and long-term health problems. Download the report.
Dollars Well Spent? The Need for Transparency in the Health Insurance Market
This report provides an overview of how health insurer practices such as “cherry picking” are largely overlooked by state regulators. These practices are harmful overall and generate costs to the health care system.
Northwest Job Gap Study: Living Wage Jobs in the Economy
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.
People or Profits? Providence St. Peter Hospital Fails in its Charitable Mission
In 2005, Washington Citizen Action (WCA), a statewide grassroots membership-based organization, began to investigate complaints from its constituents about the billing practices at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. While WCA heard few complaints about the quality of care provided by the staff at Providence St. Peter’s, many uninsured and underinsured patients have expressed concernsContinue reading “People or Profits? Providence St. Peter Hospital Fails in its Charitable Mission”
Searching For Work That Pays: 2005 Northwest Job Gap Study
Northwest Job Gap Study Idaho Job Gap Study Montana Job Gap Study Oregon Job Gap Study Washington Job Gap Study 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 wageContinue reading “Searching For Work That Pays: 2005 Northwest Job Gap Study”
To Protect and Serve? Unequal Treatment in the Billings Police Department
A study conducted by the Montana People’s Action (MPA) reveals problems within the police department that lead to distrust and fear among residents of lower-income neighborhoods of the city. The report offers recommendations for truly serving and protecting the whole community.
Closing the Gap: Solutions to Race-Based Health Disparities
The report documents the persistent problems experienced by communities of color attempting to access health care services across the nation. With a review of the latest research on health disparities, in-depth field research and comprehensive case studies, Closing the Gap reinvigorates the debate over what may be the nation’s greatest public health challenge – theContinue reading “Closing the Gap: Solutions to Race-Based Health Disparities”
2005 Northwest Health Gap Study
Between high wage earners who have comprehensive employer-based health benefits, and the low-income people who are covered through public health programs, lies a rapidly growing population with no coverage or inadequate coverage. These people are in the health gap. Download the report.