As Health Care Costs Rise, Washington Delivers Relief for Public Employees & Teachers

Washington’s new reference-based pricing law will make health care more fair and affordable for teachers and state employees.

Olympia, WA — In response to the signing of SB 5083 by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, a law that will establish reference-based pricing to lower health care costs and premiums for people who receive health insurance through the State Employee Benefits Board or Public Employee Benefits Board, United States of Care issued the following statement: 

“We know that the rising cost of health care is a barrier that keeps people across the state of Washington from seeking the health care they need,” said Kelsey Wulfkuhle, Senior State Advocacy Manager at United States of Care. “At the root of this problem is the skyrocketing cost of hospital care – which makes up nearly half of health care spending in Washington’s commercial market.”

“By implementing this law, Washington lawmakers are delivering lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs to public employees and teachers covered by the state employee health plan, and saving taxpayers almost $400 million on health care expenses. This law isn’t just good health care policy, it’s good fiscal policy. United States of Care is proud to have supported this bill, and we applaud Washington legislators and Governor Bob Ferguson for enacting this legislation.”

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