Washington Lawmakers Introduce Single-Payer Health Care Bill with Major Tax Implications!

Race Day Live Washington state lawmakers are once again pushing for a single-payer health care system through SB 5233, known as the Washington Health Trust.

This proposal is designed to consolidate public health plans into a unified system that covers all residents, including primary care, dental, vision, and prescription benefits.

Proponents argue that this approach will lower costs through bulk pricing and streamlined administration.

However, funding the system comes with significant challenges. The plan includes a mix of new taxes: employer taxes, a self-employment tax, and taxes on individuals earning over 300% of the federal poverty line.

Critics worry these taxes will burden residents and businesses, making it hard for the system to gain widespread support.

Several states have tried similar plans, only to abandon them due to high costs. Vermont’s attempt at a single-payer system in 2011, for instance, revealed the state would need a 35% budget increase to make it work.

This forced officials to scrap the plan by 2014. Colorado voters rejected a similar measure in 2016, and California legislators have repeatedly shelved single-payer proposals due to cost concerns.

Supporters often point to Canada’s single-payer system as a model. While every Canadian is covered, critics highlight long wait times for specialist appointments and treatments.

These delays often lead to worse health outcomes and frustration for patients. In addition, Canada’s system is expensive, consuming the largest share of provincial budgets and leaving little room for other public spending.

In Washington, SB 5233 supporters envision a system where everyone participates, including those currently covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-provided insurance.

This would require federal waivers that are unlikely to be granted. Without such waivers, transitioning to a single-payer model becomes almost impossible.

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Critics argue that instead of pushing for an untested and costly plan, lawmakers should focus on reforms that empower patients to make their own health care decisions.

They suggest reducing bureaucracy and finding ways to lower costs while maintaining choice and quality.

The exact cost of SB 5233 remains unclear, but the financial burden on taxpayers is expected to be significant.

As Washington debates its health care future, the focus should remain on sustainable, patient-centered solutions that provide affordable care without jeopardizing the state’s economy.

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