WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Crowds flock to Seattle Center for free health care

Seattle Center is gearing up for an onslaught of visitors this weekend, many of whom will begin waiting in the ticket lines before dawn. But it’s not a music festival or championship game that’s drawing thousands to Key Arena this time. This weekend the crowds will be made up of individuals and families from across the region standing in line for free medical care.

Despite the fact that our state recently signed up 1.3 million people for free or subsidized health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, there are still thousands who can’t afford regular visits to the doctor or dentist. Without routine preventative care, like regular teeth cleanings and wellness check-ups, these folks live in fear of illness and injury, sometimes with chronic pain.

Thanks to a bill passed last session allowing out-of-state volunteers to participate, the four-day clinic will offer a wide range of services to over a thousand patients each day. Still, countless families will be turned away at the end of the weekend, and even more uninsured people around the state won’t be able to make the trek to Seattle for free care.

Washington has made great strides in expanding access to affordable health care but about 10% of our population continues to go without coverage. The crowds at this weekend’s clinic will be a testament to just how much work we have to do before every Washingtonian can access the health care services they need—without waiting in line at 4am.

Watch this short video for more information:

 Nieto, Lilia

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