Northwest Health Law Advocates 

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. In 2011 they worked to reinstate 11,000 immigrants who had been disenrolled from the Basic Health program. The program once again includes legal immigrants.

NoHLA shares information about the state’s plans and progress with advocates and organizations, who can in turn distribute it directly to community members. They hold train-the-trainer events and other avenues to disseminate information and guidance about changes to public programs and the new Exchange.

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 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.

Financial Health
They have received funding to support their health reform implementation work from a number of funders including; Community Catalyst grant ((Affordable Care Act implementation grant from a group of national funders), Women’s Funding Alliance, Ms. Foundation, and the National Women’s Law Center. As a result of this funding they were able to add a new staff attorney in September 2011 to work on health reform advocacy. They are working to sustain this new funding level through 2013. All their grants provided one year funding.

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.