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Healthcare Issues Team Update

Published on 9/11/2025

There was no Healthcare Issues Team meeting in August. We took a break to allow us to relax, enjoy the summer, and get ready for a busy fall. Much will be happening! The County Council is considering whether to change the composition of the Health Department Board.

Currently, the Board consists of the seven members of the County Council. It has been proposed that it be changed to include providers, public health representatives, and members of the community and the tribes. Also, in January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will institute a pilot program in several states, including Washington, that will increase the number of procedures that require prior authorization for persons covered by traditional Medicare. Currently, few procedures require prior authorization.

The next meeting of the Healthcare Issues Team will be September 15th 10:00 to 11:30 am on Zoom. Owen Racer, the healthcare reporter from Cascadia Daily News, will join us. Although only starting in July, he has already written several very informative articles. He would like to hear our thoughts about healthcare in Whatcom County, so bring your concerns and your questions. Then in October will have a presentation about Emergency Medical Services (EMS) services in the County. Come join us!

As always, we welcome your suggestions for topics and/or speakers or anything else you want to share.

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