What is Native American Heritage Month? November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the Indigenous peoples of this land. The celebration of Native cultures began as a week-long celebration in 1986, when President Reagan proclaimed the week of November 23–30, 1986, as “American Indian Week.” …

Not having health insurance was a stressor for Gloria and her family. Her health insurance was not consistent and depended on her or her partner’s employer. Even without major health issues, employer sponsored health insurance would not cover her children. Before Apple Health (Medicaid), Gloria had concerns about possible looming…

John used to be covered under his employer’s health insurance. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he lost his employment and stopped receiving health insurance. Without coverage, he couldn’t treat any of his health conditions and get the medication he needed. …

Before Apple Health (Medicaid), Bella didn’t view herself as someone who would get sick and need to worry about health insurance. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt insecure about her plan for health treatment without insurance. …

Taylor Linke is the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) first director of the IT innovation and customer experience administration and has worked for the state of Washington for 18 years. Taylor recently shared some insights about her passion and commitment to her work. As a leader of customer service at HCA…

The Health Equity Spotlight is a feature that recognizes an individual, program, or effort at Health Care Authority (HCA) that is advancing health equity. This month, we celebrate the Plain Talk program. Plain Talk is our state’s effort to use clear, direct language in how we communicate with the public…

Sue Green, a project director in Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, received the Governor’s Lifesaving Award for saving a life while on duty. Sue, a substance use disorder professional, performed hands-on assistance after recognizing someone was experiencing an overdose and administered lifesaving treatment in September…

Making us the first Washington State government agency to earn the distinction — HCA has been officially recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) for our efforts to improve health and well-being at the local, state, and tribal levels. We are one of only three organizations in Washington State that have earned this…

There aren’t many providers who specialize in assistive communication technology like Donna Cole Wilson. The Seattle-based speech language pathologist works with people of all ages who have acquired or developmental disabilities and rely on alternative and augmentative communication technologies. For over 20 years, Donna worked with clients who use assistive…