Public health care option clears Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A plan to create a public health insurance option in Washington cleared the state Legislature Saturday evening, and it is heading to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.

After versions of the bill circulated between the House and Senate, the Senate approved a compromise version 27-21 Saturday evening. The same version was earlier approved by the state House.

Dubbed Cascade Care, the proposal would create a state-contracted insurance option that would be offered by 2021, at what backers say will be a discounted rate.

The passage also marks a win for Inslee, who announced he was running for president in March, on a high-profile national issue. The bill that passed Saturday had been officially requested by Inslee, although individual sponsors carried it in both the House and Senate.

Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/public-health-care-option-clears-washington-legislature/