October 22, 2026
Dear Health Advocates,
If you have already voted, Thank You! If you’ve yet to cast your ballot, please take a moment to do fill it out and turn it in. With so much at stake for health justice in Washington state, our collective participation in this election is critical, especially as we organize to defeat Initiative 645, which threatens to dismantle public safety-net funding for healthcare, early learning, and youth mental health programs across our state. Beyond the ballot, the fight to defend our care continues on every front. From commercial insurers securing double-digit rate hikes to corporate schemes using algorithmic AI models to deny Traditional Medicare claims, private insurance barriers are driving up costs and delaying life-saving care. Meanwhile, looming federal Medicaid cuts threaten to strip $6 billion from Washington’s healthcare system, imperiling rural hospitals and community clinics alike.
In this issue, you’ll learn how to join us in taking direct action—from mobilizing against rate hikes at Regence Blue Shield on October 30th to setting HCHR’s 2027 policy agenda. By defending existing public programs, pushing back against corporate greed, and building grassroots power, we can ensure patient care always comes before private profit, as we continue to work towards Universal Healthcare in our state and our country. Check out our latest updates, get involved with our fall coalition work, and help us continue fighting for health equity for all Washingtonians.
In solidarity,
- HCHR Steering Committee
