Editor,

There is a movement afoot in our state to address the current inadequate health care system. It is Initiative 1600. I’m a volunteer for Whole Washington— WholeWashington.org — that is driving this. Key points are as follows:

We want everyone to have high-quality, comprehensive health care. By “everyone,” we mean every single resident of Washington state. Our health care should not be tied to our employment, our spouse, our age or our ability to pay. By “comprehensive,” we mean inpatient, outpatient, vision, dental, mental health care services and more.

We want the care our doctor recommends for us, not what an insurance company decides or is willing to pay.

We want to change the way we pay. Instead of paying profit-motivated insurance companies, we want fair and dedicated taxes to fund a trust that covers our health care expenses.

We want the elimination of premiums, deductibles, co-pays, unaffordable prescriptions and other unpredictable out-of-pocket costs, and no more medical bankruptcy or crowdfunding campaigns … ever.

We want to pay nothing at the time services are rendered. We want to walk out of the hospital or doctor’s office with no bills looming ahead of us.

We want freedom. We want to go to the doctor of our choice. No networks, referrals or prior authorizations. We want to be health care worry-free. If we’re sick or injured, we want to focus on healing, not financial ruin.

If we’re healthy, we want the preventative care to stay that way. We don’t want to be locked into jobs or relationships out of fear of losing health insurance. We want the freedom to pursue our dreams.

We believe our health is our wealth, and it’s time to invest in our most valuable resource: us.

Please join our mission to get this initiative on the Nov. 6, 2018, ballot. Even if it’s by simply signing a petition. Volunteers are welcome to join our effort. Let’s make this happen!

John White

Freeland