Many Oregon residents have lost access to public programs because of recent deep budget cuts, including major cuts to public health care programs. The Food Stamp Program is increasingly important as many Oregon families face difficult times and increased medical costs. In this report, several food stamp applicants describe their experiences and the barriers they faced when applying for food stamps. This report also includes some initial survey results.
Pull the Plug on Idaho Power’s Rate Increase: Idaho Families Need Rate Relief, Not Rate Hikes
In October 2003, Idaho Power filed a rate increase application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Idaho Power’s request, as the PUC staff determined, is a gross overestimate of its actual needs – over $70 million more than Idaho Power could justify! Idaho families are struggling to make ends meet and pay power bills today. Idaho Power’s rate proposal would leave even more low-income families out in the cold.
Not Even Pennywise: Premiums Will Harm Washington’s Children, Economy
Despite the enormous benefits Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide to Washington State’s families and economy, the Legislature is considering charging premiums to many children in these programs. The proposed premiums will wreck havoc on the lives of vulnerable children, cost the state more in the long run, and harm Washington’s economy. This report provides an overview of the important contributions Medicaid and CHIP make to the economy of and quality of life in Washington State, and the devastating impacts of premiums.
Keep the Heat On: Idaho Utility Regulations Threaten the Health and Safety of Idaho Families
Economic conditions in Idaho are squeezing low-income families from every direction. Unemployment continues to rise and many of Idaho’s families live in poverty. The rates of personal bankruptcy and lack of health insurance are also increasing. Skyrocketing energy costs are an unbearable burden when added to these economic realities. Energy consumers who turn to the state for help find that the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) budget is woefully inadequate, and that consumer protections for low-income consumers are not strong enough.
Not Our Job: Employers Abandon Health Care Coverage, Leaving Washington Families and the State with the Bill
As large businesses cut health benefits or shift costs to employees, more and more workers must forego coverage. Employment is losing its status as the gateway to health care for working families, who must use publicly funded coverage or go without entirely. When employers leave their workers – especially low-wage employees – without coverage, they are maximizing their profits at the expense of workers and the state. Washington State has the power to level the playing field for working families. Lawmakers should tell large companies that making an appropriate health insurance investment is a condition of doing business in Washington State.
Washington Lags Behind Other States in Corporate Disclosure and Accountability
States spend billions of dollars every year on tax breaks for businesses. A growing number of states require companies to disclose certain information on the tax breaks they have received. Disclosure allows states to evaluate the costs and benefits of tax breaks. States can monitor tax breaks by looking at job creation levels, job retention, wage bands, and benefits. With disclosure legislation in place, Washington legislators and private residents will have the information needed to change those tax breaks that are not working as intended and support those that are.
Don’t Lien on Me: Why the State’s Medical Indigency Care Program is Unhealthy for Idahoans
Health insurance is the most important vehicle for gaining access to health care services. It makes a substantial difference in the type of services people are able to obtain. The consequences for people without health insurance are serious: one study found that the uninsured are almost six times more likely than the insured to have postponed health care for a serious condition because they couldn’t afford it. Other studies focusing on health outcomes for uninsured individuals found that they are more likely to die in the hospital, implying that they may postpone care until it is too late.
End the Costly R&D Tax Breaks: Invest in Washington’s Families
In 1994, Washington State enacted the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax credit for Research and Development (R&D) and the sales tax deferral for R&D to, among other reasons, stimulate the economy and increase competitiveness in high technology. After nine years and extensive review by the Department of Revenue, it is clear that these tax incentives have not accomplished what they were set up to do.
Idaho Lags Behind Region and Nation in Prescription Drug Savings
With prescription drug prices on the rise, more and more states are pooling the purchases of their state agencies and are joining together with other states to negotiate large prescription drug discounts. As this report details, numerous states are already saving substantial sums using purchasing pools. But Idaho lags behind the Northwest and the nation in negotiating prices from prescription drug manufacturers.
Medicaid Supports Idaho’s County Economics
This report provides an overview of the important contributions Medicaid makes to the economy of and quality of life in Idaho. Throughout the state, Medicaid spending directly purchases goods and services, and supports health care industry jobs for Idaho’s counties. These direct health care purchases trigger further cycles of earning and purchases that ripple throughout the economy, affecting individuals and businesses not directly associated with health care and generating jobs, income, and economic activity.