Breast-Cancer-Survivor Governor Lacks Compassion?

I was told yesterday that the governor, Chris Gregoire, doesn't want the emergency clause in the bill that would raise the cap on WSHIP to a lifetime max of $2 million from $1 million.

Of course, without the emergency clause, the change in the law won't help me, since my health insurance through WSHIP is going to max out in about September or October, leaving me to face $300,000 a year in bills for my cancer treatment.

Pretty cold. And the governor herself is a breast cancer survivor. You'd think she'd have more empathy. Of course, SHE has health insurance, as do all state employees. And we, the taxpayers, pay for it.

I called the gov's office for a comment, and Kristin Jacobsen called me back. Jacobsen's response to my question: "She hasn't weighed in on that yet."

Translation: The governor is not ready to go public with her position. Until she does, I think the information I was given is accurate, and I'll keep the question mark on the headline to this story for now.

The governor does not want an emergency clause in the legislation to raise the cap on WSHIP to $2 million. It is the emergency clause that would make the change effective immediately once she signs the bill.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Watch the KING-5 TV News interview, March 2, 2007

Woman battling cancer fights for insurance reform

@ Jeanne Sather 2007.

Comments

[Tina]

Just wanted you to know that I just emailed Gov. Gregoire asking her to support the emergency clause. Leaving a hole for those who are pushing against the cap to fall in, while ensuring that FUTURE people with this insurance program have coverage, is simply stupid

[Jeanne]

Thanks.

I certainly agree, and of course I am going to be the first person to fall in that hole if the emergency clause doesn't make it through.

Jeanne