3-11-2019

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal for a limited public health care option has cleared the state House of Representatives, advancing what he has called the most practical option for expanding health coverage.

The proposal would create a state insurance option with capped costs and competitive premiums.

The bill calls for state plans to be available by 2021, but rather than providing them directly to consumers, the state would contract with one or more private companies to offer at least two plans.

Local legislators who voted in favor of the bill were Democrats Sharon Shewmake and Debra Lekanoff, while Republican Luanne Van Werven voted against.