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The state of Washington has reformed its health care to include the half million inhabitants who have no health insurance. All the residents will receive basic cover from Jul 1999 under the reforms. The state wants competition amongst health care insurers on a level basis. Those who are uninsured or businesses with high insurance costs will gain from the reforms. Insurers and providers may not be able to meet the challenge, and businesses with little or no insurance will find the new plan more expensive.

Washington State has implemented a health care reform plan through the Washington Health Care Services Act that may revolutionize the health insurance and health care industries. The plan will enhance the access of the uninsured to health care and seek to ameliorate medical inflation through the use of managed care. All citizens of the state will be covered by a basic health benefits plan by Jul 1999, and everyone who applies for insurance will be accepted; the law outlaws health status, medical underwriting or pre-existing conditions exclusions., Beginning this month, and over the next six years, a landmark package of reforms will dramatically change health care insurance, delivery, access and patient management in the state of Washington. [...]

Washington State will implement a broad package of health care reforms between 1994 and 1999 to create a new health care system based on the principles of managed competition. The state will ensure access to heath insurance to those citizens that currently lack insurance coverage. All citizens will be covered by a uniform health plan that has a basic set of benefits. A Health Services Commission will be created that will regulate health care providers to provide a level playing field., Beginning this month, and over the next six years, a landmark package of reforms will dramatically change health care insurance, delivery, access and patient management in the state of Washington. [...]

Offers advice to small business owners on how to cope with rising health-care costs and health-care reform. Staying informed; Using managed care only; Local health-care programs; Group purchase.