Initiative 773 needs your support to expand the number of people who can be served under the Basic Health Plan. BHP is a standard package of benefits offered by several health insurance companies whose premiums are subsidized for low-income people by the state of Washington. There are currently 400,000 people eligible for, but unable to access BHP. Without expansion of BHP, these people will remain uninsured. Allowing them to go uninsured will be more expensive to Washington in the long run. I-773 is needed now as the Puget Sound region faces the fall-out of layoffs from Boeing, airlines and the travel industry. As unemployment rises over the next several months, BHP will become an even more vital part our community safety net.
Currently, BHP enrollment is capped at 123,000 people and a waiting list exists to get onto BHP. I-773 will expand the number of people who can be served from 123,000 to 173,000. The funding for this expansion will come from a tax on tobacco products, which will be used to fund tobacco control programs and expansion of BHP. Please vote yes on I-773 on Nov. 6.
Everett
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