Yakima Valley Forum to Discuss Big Changes Coming to Healt

Health insurance is quite the confusing topic in America, especially with all the big changes that will be coming down the pipe soon. It’s extremely difficult to navigate and understand what will be right for you and your family.

Luckily, there’s an upcoming public forum that will discuss the changes impacting not only the Yakima Valley, but Washington state and beyond. We have the details below.

Crisis In Care: Finding Solutions Together

The Yakima Valley Healthcare Defense Partnership will host a free public forum at Heritage University in Toppenish called “Crisis in Care: Finding Solutions Together – Exploring Universal Healthcare.” If you’ve ever felt stuck or confused about healthcare, this could be beneficial for you.

person wearing gold wedding band — Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Public Healthcare Forum Details

Taking place on Monday, August 24th, starting at 5 pm (estimated to last 3 hours), you are invited to Smith Family Hall (in the Arts & Science building) at Heritage University (3240 Fort Road in Toppenish).

Dinner will be served, and the evening will be filled with guest speakers (interpretation and bilingual moderation will also be provided).

Key speakers include:

Patty Kuderer, Washington State Insurance Commissioner
Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle), sponsor of Washington's universal healthcare legislation
Vicki Lowe, chair, Washington State Universal Health Care Commission/Executive Director, American Indian Health Commission for Washington State
Dr. Chris Gilmer, president, Heritage University
Dr. Kathleen Ross, SNJM, president emerita, Heritage University
Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, president, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Andre Stackhouse, Carey Wallace, and Thomas Kennedy from Whole Washington

Although this is a free event for the public, you are being asked to register in advance to reserve a spot. You can do that at the Yakima Valley Healthcare Defense Partnership website.

Medical Insurance Coverage Confusion Hits Close To Home

With all the drama that’s been happening in the Yakima Valley dealing with healthcare coverage, doctor shortages, contract standoffs, and negotiations, it’s so frustrating. Last year my elderly father faced losing his heart doctor, and my family was in a scramble to find and understand answers.

woman in scrubs holding heart shaped stethoscope — Photo by Patty Brito on Unsplash

No one knows what the future will truly hold, but hearing what these speakers have to say at the Crisis in Care forum, I feel we as a community can be better equipped with knowledge for the changing times ahead.

20 States With The Worst Medical Shortages

According to 24/7, These are the worst 20 states with medical shortages.

"To determine the states whose residents were most affected by both prescription and over-the-counter drug shortages, 24/7 Tempo reviewed a report by the LendingTree insurance subsidiary ValuePenguin, a consumer spending data site."