OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A measure intended to streamline health insurance for Washington’s public school employees has proved to be among the most opaque and contentious issues taken up by the Legislature this year.
The proposed new system, which is still on the table in the ongoing budget negotiations, would be run by the state’s Health Care Authority.
The Authority conducted a study last year on how much the new system would cost, but didn’t get necessary data about the current system from the school districts, insurers and the teachers’ union.
The proposal has divided two of the state’s most powerful unions. The teachers’ union says it would be a costly and inefficient state takeover. The largest union representing school support staff says it would save money and expand coverage to more workers’ dependents.
