October 2013
Dear Neighbors:
|
Strategic plan The County is collecting input on the next iteration of its Strategic Plan, which will shape the direction of county government for the next five years. If you would like to weigh in and have your voice heard, visit onekingcounty.info or attend an in-person meeting. Vashon Island will host District Eight's meeting on Wednesday, October 30th at 6:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The 2014 budget Last week, Executive Constantine delivered his proposed 2014 budget to the Council. The Council and the Executive continue to work together to ensure that we are delivering county services in an efficient manner. The Council's deliberations are just beginning, to stay up-to-date visit: www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget or attend one of the four public meetings scheduled around the County. |
Today marks the beginning of open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare." If you're already covered by your employer, not a lot will change for you. But for approximately 180,000 uninsured King County residents, they will now be able to enroll in free or low-cost health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
The Healthplanfinder is one-stop shopping where people can choose an insurance plan that works for them – and where people can find out if they qualify for financial help to pay for premiums and co-pays. Healthplanfinder was created as a result of the Affordable Care Act which requires Washington to develop an Exchange program. Under the law, the Exchange creates a new marketplace for each state to offer health benefits to individual, families and small businesses. One benefit of buying insurance through the Exchange is that most families will qualify for a tax credit or a subsidy -– whichever they choose.
Many other uninsured Washingtonians will see expanded access through Medicaid. Individuals making around $15,000 a year, or a family of four with an income around $30,000, will benefit from our state's expansion of Medicaid. This will apply to about 86,000 King County residents.
Today is the next big step in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. But thousands of King County residents have already benefited from the Affordable Care Act:
• 736,000 people no longer face lifetime caps on their health benefits
• 15,000 young people up to the age of 26 have stayed on their parents' health plans
• 368,000 people now have coverage for preventive care with no co-pays or deductibles
• 15,000 people enrolled in Medicare have saved hundreds on their prescription drugs
This is an historic opportunity to help improve the health of our neighbors. If you would like to get involved in helping to spread the word about enrollment, please visit
www.kingcounty.gov/coverage.
You probably noticed I didn't send a monthly e-newsletter last month. I was in the middle of wedding planning; almost a month ago Michael and I were surrounded by family and friends as we married. I'm back at work now, and the Council's budget process is underway -- but that's a future topic.
Until next month,
-Joe
|
Subscribe to District 8 eNews |
 |