Ombuds to help us deal with health care law

Every state, including Washington, is required under the recently-enacted federal health care law to establish an independent office to help consumers cope with their health insurance in the new circumstances.

The Northwest Health Law Advocates has called for a state Health Insurance Consumer Assistance or Ombudsman Program to meet the following principles:

• Independence: Provide the program through a private, nonprofit agency independent of insurance companies and government payers.

• Advocacy: Directly represent consumers in grievances, appeals and litigation, and refer seniors to appropriate legal representation.

• Education: Educate the public, including public agencies and the legislature, with regard to issues that emerge in the course of its advocacy work.

The Northwest Health Law Advocates recommends the state’s successful Long-Term Care Ombuds program as the appropriate model for the new program. The long-term care program is an independent non-profit agency with 20 paid staff in regional offices and 400 trained and certified volunteers throughout the state.