How is HCA supporting Washington?s Pro-Equity Anti-Racism work?

Our policy explains how.

Earlier this month, the Health Care Authority (HCA) launched a new policy in support of Executive Order 22-04: Implementing the Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Plan & Playbook. Under PEAR, our agency developed Policy No. 3-57, a policy that instills a culture of belonging and anti-racism for employees and those we serve.

Specifically, the policy covers our work in creating a PEAR strategy, in which HCA:

Conducted an equity impact review to determine our key functions as an agency, and

Identified the determinants of equity like education, digital literacy, health and human services, and jobs and job training.

Determinants of equity are the driving factors that impact the overall quality of life for the people of Washington. Our new policy also describes the roles and responsibilities of agency and program leadership, our established PEAR Team, and HCA colleagues.

About PEAR

The purpose of PEAR is to foster an environment that creates belonging and establishes a pro-equity and anti-racist culture for HCA employees and the people we work with and serve. PEAR is part of our health equity work, which is a core value of our agency. To HCA, health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Other PEAR updates

In addition to Policy No. 3-57, we created a PEAR Statement and PEAR Statement video, which emphasize HCA?s commitment to:

Focusing on specific workstreams in our agency, including leadership operations, data, community engagement, and workforce equity

Being health equity changemakers

Building up our PEAR Community Advisory Team (CAT)

What's PEAR CAT?

This group is made up of individuals and community-based organizations that represent many of Washington?s diverse populations and communities. PEAR CAT members play a key role in informing HCA?s health equity strategies, community engagement activities, and sharing their personal/lived experiences on how HCA?s programs and services impact them and their community.

If you?re interested in representing your community at PEAR CAT, contact us at [email protected].

More information

Visit the HCA website, including the PEAR and health equity pages.

For other advisory committee and workgroup opportunities, visit our boards, commissions, and collaborations page.

These groups offer guidance, advice, and recommendations to HCA and for state programs. Many of these groups are seeking community input and hearing their personal/lived experiences, which helps inform HCA?s direction and decisions.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to health equity, whole-person care, and integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

Disclosure notice

All messages we send via GovDelivery are subject to public disclosure, as are the names and email addresses of those who sign up for email notifications.

Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA?s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.

How is HCA supporting Washington's Pro-Equity Anti-Racism work?