Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA)

We’ve made significant strides in Washington toward health coverage for all. About 95% of Washingtonians now have insurance coverage, thanks to health reform programs that are working to cover and protect over 3 million residents.

But more reforms are needed to ensure affordability, access, and equity. We asked over 1,000 Washingtonians in 2024 about the health care challenges they faced and the results were staggering: over ½ skipped needed care due to cost, nearly ⅓ struggled with medical debt, and ¾ faced insurance barriers. Many communities of color and rural residents face even deeper disparities.

Policy Opportunities and Achievements in 2025

In 2025, we face new threats to health care from federal instability, as well as a serious state budget shortfall. But NoHLA won’t back down from our commitment to health justice. We are fighting cuts to the health safety net and pushing state and federal policymakers to affirm equitable care. Our priorities include:

Protect Washington’s commitment to equitable care, including bolstering Washington's new immigrant coverage programs and supporting a full range of reproductive care.

Defend Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act from federal attacks. Address access challenges for Washingtonians who rely on public coverage programs.

Together with partners in our Fair Health Prices Washington campaign, lower health care prices and safeguard Washingtonians from medical debt and profit-driven corporate health care.