As lawmakers debate how to rein in these cameras, sheriffs, civil rights groups and transparency advocates are clashing over how much access is too much
Staying healthy is growing even more costly for Washington residents. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has approved rate increases of 17 percent for RegenceBlueShield, 13 percent at Group Health and 18 percent at Lifewise Health Plan. Only customers of Premera Blue Cross saw their increase limited to 6 percent. Those numbers are averages. There are outliers, such as Terry Naughton of Quilcene, who faces a 40 percent increase and concludes: "We need a public plan." Kyung M. Song's story in the Seattle Times today shows why health-care reform seems more likely in D.C. now than it has for years. Song offers up Seattle resident Gail Petersen, whose family of five will see her $1,400-a-month bill go to $1,700. She likens what's happening to price fixing: "I would love to see insurance companies have a little competition." Last we heard, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, who is on a key committee in the health-care debate, was still waffling on whether she supports a publicly funded option for health care insurance - a position she previously had endorsed in the state Legislature.
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
As lawmakers debate how to rein in these cameras, sheriffs, civil rights groups and transparency advocates are clashing over how much access is too much
