SW Washington

Boise is the capital of Idaho. | PINPALS/PIXABAY

Washington, Oregon weigh in against Idaho law restricting out-of-state abortions

They joined nearly 20 other states this week in arguing against Idaho’s new law that makes it a crime to assist minors in seeking abortions outside the state

Aug 2

PIXABAY

WA expands Medicaid coverage for people nearing release from jails and prisons

In two years, Washington will begin to offer limited Medicaid coverage to youth and adults in correctional facilities up to 90 days before they are released

Jul 27

IULIIA BONDARENKO/PIXABAY

Maternal mortality rates rise in WA, especially for Indigenous communities

A new, nationwide study found a 71.2% increase in Washington state’s maternal mortality for the American Indian and Alaska Native population

Jul 11

SABINE VAN ERP/PIXABAY

For those unfit to make decisions, a complex path out of the hospital

The guardianship process is long and complicated, and there aren’t enough people willing to take on that role for patients

Jun 20

From left, Robert Coberly, Tulalip, tribal crisis counselor; Heaven Arbuckle, tribal crisis counselor lead; and Arbuckle's husband, Brandon Hachett, holding their son Roman. The group had an information table for the Native and Strong Lifeline at a recent Missing and Murdered Indigenous People event in Tulalip, Washington. | COURTESY NATIVE AND STRONG LIFELINE

Lifeline provides mental health support to Native people in Washington state

Volunteers of America Western Washington launched the Native and Strong Lifeline in November 2022 to address the growing mental health crisis

Jun 13

MARK PATON/UNSPLASH

How new Washington laws aim to lower out-of-pocket health care costs

Insulin, abortions, hearing aids and cancer screenings are among the medical expenses that may soon cost less for Washington residents with health insurance

May 30

John Stejer sits in front of his home and holds a photo of his mother, Betty Stejer, 88, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Everett, Washington. John moved his mother to Arizona in 2022 due to the difficulty of finding Medicaid-approved housing for her. | RYAN BERRY / THE HERALD

A Washington man’s struggle to get mom into assisted living: $22K, 1,500 miles

John Stejer’s mother, 86, is eligible for Medicaid. But he discovered no place in the state would take her. “I was actually in disbelief.”

May 30

A large white building with a tall tower and staircase

The Washington State Capitol in Olympia. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Inslee signs drug policy overhaul into law in Washington state

Passed during a one-day special session on Tuesday, the package includes tougher penalties for illegal drug possession, along with millions for treatment programs

May 18

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden at a July 9, 2022 event in Portland. | PETER WONG/PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP

‘Ghost’ providers abundant in Oregon, Washington, Senate report finds

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said patients who pay for Medicare Advantage plans can’t reach mental health providers, and vowed to take action

May 4
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Woman hold pro-choice signs in protest at nation's capital.

A reproductive rights protest in Washington D.C. on Oct. 2, 2021. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Washington judge confirms mifepristone access in 18 states, including Oregon and Washington

The federal ruling Thursday reaffirms an initial order last week, which preserved access to a widely used abortion drug in Oregon, Washington and 16 other states

Apr 14