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The following are links to Bellingham Herald News and Blog Stories concerning the Appointment of Ward Nelson to fill out the term of Bob Kelly on the County Council

MAJOR POINTS OF SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PRESENTED BY REPRESENTATIVE ERICKSEN BEFORE SESSION 2010

1. Purchasing health care plans approved in other states
Citizens should be allowed to choose from a wide variety of
health care plans from other states.

2.  New choices for small employers (small group reform)
Small employers want more health care options and state
government should not be a barrier to choice. Core benefit
plans will control costs and keep more people insured.

3.  Young adult plans
Young adults ages 19 to 34 should be allowed to purchase cost
effective plans that meet their needs and budgets.

4.  Comprehensive medical malpractice and tort reform

5.  Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for state employees
Provide state employees with a voucher option for an HSA since
the governor refuses to implement House Bill 1383 from 2006.

6.  Encourage and incentivize health care innovation
Repealing the so-called certificate of need would allow more
options and choices.

7.  Allowing core benefit plans
Citizens would be allowed a choice of plans with various levels
of benefits.

8.  Cutting taxes on health care plans
The 2 percent insurance premium tax would be repealed for HSAs,
and small employers and self-employed individuals would receive a
tax credit for providing health insurance.

9.  State constitutional amendment to protect the rights of Washingtonians to make their own health care choices.
Based on an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) model
act and a bill that has been proposed in Arizona.

10.  Basic Health Plan (BHP) reform
Citizens should not be limited to a state plan when more costeffective
private market options are available. Transform the BHP into
a premium-subsidy program for legal residents ages 35 to 64.
Reduce BHP costs by more than 50 percent and save the state more
than $300 million in a budget cycle.
Strengthen our safety net and ensure quality health care for
vulnerable citizens.
Align state government to an appropriate role: helping people who
truly need it.
Representative Ericksen