Yakima Valley Healthcare Defense Partnership

05/30/2026

Mental health issues ARE health issues- insurance should pay!

Most health insurers are required to pay for mental and behavioral health care. Our office fined the three largest health insurers in WA $1.4 million in the past year for failure to do so.

Listen to this podcast episode for more about how we enforce mental health parity : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-you-enforce-mental-health-parity/id1647460589?i=1000762399524

If you were denied coverage, file a complaint with us at: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/complaints-appeals-fraud/complaints/file-complaint-or-check-your-complaint-status

05/30/2026

A little more on health insurance rates…

Health insurers just filed their rates for next year’s individual health market. We’ll be reviewing those rates over the next few months to ensure that the requested increases are actuarily justified. State law says we must approve an increase if it’s justified.

This video explains what we look for in that review and how your health insurer determines your premiums once rates are approved.👇🏼
https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/health-insurance/how-health-insurance-works/how-health-insurance-rates-affect-your-premium

05/30/2026

Here's a link to our latest forum. Thank you to all who contributed and big THANKS to Gary Hughes who is our videographer.

Federal cuts are impacting healthcare services around the Yakima Valley, and there are more changes to come.See the latest information on the changes that wi...

05/28/2026

😲😲😲😲😲😲😲
More rate hikes coming folks!

The OIC is reviewing rate change requests averaging 22.4% for 13 health insurance companies on the individual market for 2027. Reviews will be complete in September: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/about-us/news/2026/thirteen-health-insurers-request-average-224-rate-increase-2027-individual-market

05/28/2026

Contact WAState Office of Insurance Commissioner if you have been impacted-
Use the complaint form and tell them how you or yours have been impacted

https://kimatv.com/news/local/yakima-residents-concerned-amid-multicare-negotiations

05/28/2026

If you are a Native resident with a disability in Washington, you’ll keep your health care coverage through Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities even if you lose your job. Learn more and see if you qualify: hca.wa.gov/hwd

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

Could Yakima be next?

Republicans promise that $50 billion in new health funding will help rural America. But it’s not expected to aid the years-long effort in North Carolina’s Martin County to reopen its only hospital.

05/26/2026

Teens and young adults may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage through Apple Health (Medicaid)! covers basic services including doctor visits, STI care, prescriptions, and hospitalization. 💪

View our flyer to learn how to apply: https://loom.ly/hqLl7-M