This op-ed explains how.





HCA Logo (White on Transparent Background)






*October 20, 2023*






What can states do to get rising health care costs under control?

This op-ed explains how.

Yesterday, "Governing" published an op-ed [ [link removed] ] from two states that are working to curb rising health care costs. In the article, Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) *Director Sue Birch* and Connecticut?s Office of Health Strategy *Executive Director Deidre Gifford* talk about the importance of accountability, transparency, data, and performance measurement.






What are Washington and Connecticut doing?

Both states are implementing a range of solutions to address the health care cost crisis, including an annual cost growth target. This target?also called a benchmark?was determined in partnership with the states? insurers, hospitals, health care providers, employers, unions, and consumer groups. Using the benchmark, Washington and Connecticut are working to:


* Reduce the overall trend of health care cost growth so health care is more affordable for consumers
* Be transparent about where health care dollars are being spent
* Keep health care plans and providers accountable for increases in health care spending by:
* Collecting and analyzing data from public and private plans and providers
* Comparing spending against the benchmark
* Measuring health care spending performance

*Read the full op-ed.* [ [link removed] ]






What?s happening in Washington State?

The Health Care Cost Transparency Board is responsible for reducing Washington State?s health care cost growth and increasing price transparency. The Cost Board?along with three supporting advisory committees?are:


* Determining the state's total health care expenditures
* Identifying cost trends and cost drivers in the health care system
* Setting a health care cost growth benchmark for providers and payers
* Providing recommendations to the Legislature

*Learn more about the Cost Board.* [ [link removed] ]








?

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 [ [link removed] ], 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 [ [link removed] ].



?

Stay connected Facebook [ [link removed] ] ? Twitter [ [link removed] ] ? Govdelivery [ [link removed] ] ? Blog [ [link removed] ] ? LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]? Youtube [ [link removed] ]

*Subscriber services:* Manage subscriptions [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe all [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].



?



?

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Health Care Authority ? 626 8th Avenue SE ? Olympia, WA 98501 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}