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Northwest Health Law Advocates 

Description

NoHLA works to resolve health-related issues of concern to low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Washington State. We do this through: training and community education; legal consultation to attorneys and advocates on public health insurance programs' legal and policy analysis; legal representation in high impact cases; and legislative and administrative advocacy. NoHLA's work impacts the hundreds of thousands of people enrolled in and applying for public health insurance programs annually. In addition, NoHLA works to expand access to health care for the tens of thousands of Washingtonians who are uninsured or underinsured.

Mission Statement

Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA) works toward achieving a seamless health care system, in which individuals are assured of basic rights, protections and continuity of care, regardless of the type of health coverage they have.

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Northwest Health Law Advocates
4759 15th Ave NE Ste 305 
Seattle 
WA
98105-4404 
(206) 325-6464 

Janet Varon 
Executive Director 

Programs

Northwest Health Law Advocates Programs

Education and Training
NoHLA provides education and training on public health insurance programs and related laws and policies to advocates and providers around the state (social workers, benefit counselors, medical providers, attorneys and others). We typically reach several hundred advocates annually, with in-person, phone and web-based training. Recent training has focused on the impact of state budget cuts on safety net health care programs and what providers and advocates can do to help their clients maintain health coverage.

Legal Support
NoHLA provides support to legal organizations representing low-income persons, including children, families, seniors, immigrants and people with disabilities. Our expertise in public health insurance programs - including eligibility, benefits and clients' rights - is instrumental in helping advocates around the state access and maintain health care coverage for their clients.

Policy and Legal Analysis
Through legal policy analysis, NoHLA leverages the knowledge and expertise of our small staff to effect changes in public health insurance programs that impact large groups of beneficiaries. Analysis ranges from the specific impacts of laws and policies on low-income people to analyses of how health systems can change to better meet the health needs of people with limited resources.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

NoHLA played a key role in achieving expanded children's health coverage in Washington to include all children in families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. We were successful in getting statutory changes adopted to ensure equal, comprehensive benefits for all children. We also successfully advocated with the Department of Social and Health Services to simplify the application process, making it easier for families to document income and streamlining eligibility determinations.

NoHLA needs general support for our policy and legal analysis and advocacy efforts. We expect to play a key role in the development of plans for implementation of national health reform in Washington State.

Evaluation


Northwest Health Law Advocates’, NoHLA goal is to improve access to health care to Washington State residents, especially those who have limited resources and depend on public health insurance programs like Medicaid, Medicare and Washington's Basic Health Plan.

Proven Success
NoHLA ensures that consumer perspectives and concerns are heard by policymakers on issues such as Washington's Basic Health Plan and the individual health insurance market. Their work has resulted in many positive outcomes, including: removing barriers to children’s eligibility for Washington’s Apple Health for Kids; stopping illegal Medicaid terminations; and strengthening Washington’s Patient Bill of Rights.

Collaboration
NoHLA works in partnership with other organizations, to advocate with state agencies and the legislature on behalf of low-income people on Medicaid, Basic Health and other programs.
They work collaboratively to promote consumer education, outreach and training and engage community organizations in efforts to work toward a better health care system. They keep providers up to date on program requirements and changes in benefits, etc. and the providers ensure their clients have accurate information to insure access to care.

NoHLA has a strong partnership with Columbia Legal Services and is distinct in that NoHLA provides specialized advocacy on issues of access to health care. NoHLA is able to see the big picture and provide analysis that addresses ways to unify the interests of citizens of all income levels in accessing affordable insurance and care. NoHLA’s depth of understanding on what is going on statewide and around the country enables them to provide support to lawyers engaged in litigation and advocacy in this area. NoHLA stays updated on changes and alerts the field to community needs.

Sustainability
The recent passage of health care reform means that many uninsured and underinsured Washingtonians will be able to gain access to medical coverage and services. NoHLA will continue to be a consumer voice to ensure that Washington State complies with the federal law and also expand medical coverage to underserved groups. In the short term they will follow the state budget cuts closely and ensure individuals can access health care.

They will be focused on building staff resources to leverage the opportunities health reform offers. Additional staff will allow them to do all the policy-level work that is needed.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/10/2011 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2010 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2009 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/18/2007 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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