Good News
I-895 supporters failed to gather enough signatures to put this initiative on the ballot. But this doesn't mean that LMPs and other CAM providers can relax. It is a sure thing that the anti-access lobby will come after us again in the next legislative session and/or with future initiatives. Join your professional association and contribute to its PAC to make sure your voice stays in this debate.
Washington's "every category of provider" law gives health care consumers access to the health care providers they want to see, including massage practitioners. This law has been under attack by the insurance industry and other groups since its inception.
The most recent attempt to roll back the inclusion of massage in the group medical insurance market is Washington State Initiative I-895. This initiative would, according the AMTA, "allow insurers to create one limited health insurance plan for small employers (2 - 50 employees) in addition to their other more comprehensive plans."
Here's how I-895 would look on the November ballot, if its backers get the required signatures:
"Initiative Measure 895 concerns changes to requirements for health insurance plans and rate adjustments. This measure would allow a seller of health plans to offer small employers a plan with less coverage of services and fewer categories of providers [emphasis added] along with at least one more comprehensive plan.
Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes {} No {}"
- If you are a health care consumer and an employee of a small business (under 50 employees), then passage of I-895 could end your coverage of massage, naturopathic, chiropractic, acupuncture, and similar care. According to a Citizens Against I-895 flyer, I-895 would allow insurers to increase premiums up to 8% each year without the approval of the State Insurance Commissioner (current law requires increases of more than 4% to be approved by the commissioner's office). The limitations of this plan would also "exempt [small business insurance plans] from having to include any of the current benefit mandates now in State law such as mammography, chemical dependency, mastectomy, diabetes and coverage for infants with congenital anomalies," according to the AMTA. If you are concerned about keeping these mandates and about keeping your right to get health care from providers of your choice, consider making a contribution to Citizens Against I-895, 6016 NE Bothell Way #225, Kenmore, WA 98028-9403.
- If you are a small-business owner struggling with health care costs, then I-895 might appeal to you, but be aware that its passage could prevent your employees from getting mammograms, chemical dependency care, mastectomies, diabetes treatments, and other care which currently falls under state mandates, and it would give your employees fewer choices of health care practitioners. I-895 could also permit insurance companies to increase your rates as much as 8% a year without consulting the state's insurance commissioner.
- If you are a massage practitioner or other CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) provider, then passage of I-895 could drastically reduce your insurance reimbursement income, since small businesses make up 66% of the group medical market. See the AMTA-WA web site for more on this, and for information on how to contribute to MYOPAC, the AMTA-WA's political action committee.
AMTA-Washington Against I-895
The Washington chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association (of which I am a member) opposes I-895. There is a page on the AMTA-WA web site with details on I-895.
WANP Against I-895
The Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians opposes I-895: "Although State law currently protects your right to choose a naturopathic doctor, I-895 would change it. Passage of I-895 would allow insurers to avoid covering naturopathic care. Help us defend your right to choose naturopathic care." See their Insurance Coverage for Naturopathic Care is in Jeopardy page for more.
WSCA Against I-895
The Washington State Chiropractic Association opposes I-895. Their web page on I-895 includes links to several documents on the initiative.
Opposition to I-895
According to a June 24, 2002, news release issued by Citizens Against I-895, the following organizations and professions have joined Citizens Against I-895:
- Washington State Chapter of the American Cancer Society
- Washington Podiatric Medical Association
- American Diabetes Association
- Service Employees International Union
- Washington State Labor Council
- Washington Public Employees Union
- Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Washington
- Washington State Association of Alcoholism and Addictions Programs
- Washington State Chiropractic Association
- American Massage Therapy Association, Washington Chapter
- Acupuncture Association of Washington
- Washington State Nurses Association
- Optometric Physicians of Washington
- Washington Podiatric Medical Association
- Washington Osteopathic Medical Association
- Clinical Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- Washington State Psychological Association
NFIB/Washington For I-895
The NFIB, a "small-business advocacy organization," supports I-895. See Health Care Mandated Benefits in Washington. The NFIB site also has a news release, Ballot Initiative on Health Care Given Number After Final Language Submitted.
The Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank in Chicago, offers a very spun view of this issue in their article, "Washington Hopes to Recover From Failed Reforms," referring, e.g., to the ability of insurance companies' ability to raise rates under I-895 as "greater price flexibility."
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