LWVSJ Observer Corps | Board of Health July 16, 2025

||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||

The North Sound Behavioral Health Organization has paused their CEO search. The organization got an access-to-care grant in the latest public health funding round. They are exploring creating a Medicaid billing function to help improve access for providers in areas bill for services. The University of Washington will not renew its contract with the Lopez PHD when it expires in July 2026. The Orcas PHD is looking at ways to bill the county for dental services. There is a new director of the Washington Health Authority and a new secretary of health for the state.

Mark Thompkins briefed the board on the process to reimagine the Health and Community Services Department to meet the challenges of providing services from six locations across three islands, in a post-covid world, with a 32- hour workweek and federal challenges for public health and immunization. The process has strengthened teamwork and communication, and generated plans to house services for children 0-8 years in one department. Elements of the department’s plan will feed into the new comprehensive plan.

Kyle Dodd reported on the work of the Environmental Health Department in 2024. The department oversees sewage inspections, solid waste permits, food service permits, tests area waters for shellfish safety, and reviews land use permits. In 2024 they issued 211 food service permits and conducted 217 food safety inspections. They oversaw 2227 sewer inspections and run trainings for homeowners who want to do their own inspections. They are helping the Northwest Clean Air agency install an air quality monitor in the county. Board members thanked Dodd for his service as he prepares to take a job with the fire district. A farewell event will be held on July 31 at 2:00 pm.

Health Officer Dr. Amy Varley updated the board on recent changes to Medicaid in the recently passed budget law. Newly imposed and burdensome paperwork requirements, along with changes in coverage are expected. In Washington state 2 million people get their health insurance through Medicaid including 47% of children, 53% of people in nursing homes, and 40% of the disabled. Medicaid also covers 40% of births in the state. In San Juan County 3525 people are insured by Medicaid including 1301 children, and Medicaid accounts for 12% of hospital payments. The new rules are expected to reduce the number of people covered by 20%. The bill also reduces subsidies to those getting private insurance on ACA exchanges which could cause an additional 5 million people nationwide to lose their insurance. The implementation of many cuts are delayed until the end of 2026 after mid-term elections take place. Helping people navigate the new enrollment rules and tracking the impact will be key.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.