The Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” did more than expand access to health insurance for 27,000 Whatcom County residents and millions across our country. It changed the way we deliver care. It challenged us to focus on prevention and improved health outcomes. It charged non-profit community health centers like Unity Care with finding new ways of coordinating care to address the health needs of the whole person, the whole family, and the whole community. It reduced financial barriers to quality health care. It put many in our community on the road to wellness after years of neglected health. It saved money in the Washington State budget which can be re-invested to improve the education of our children.
At Unity Care NW, we see 5,340 more patients than we did in 2013. Only 8 percent of our patients are uninsured today, compared to 23 percent in 2013. The Affordable Care Act also provided the funding to expand our services, including the construction of new adult dental and behavioral health facilities in Bellingham.
Learn more about the patient protections brought about by the Affordable Care Act by watching the new video below. And check out the other informational videos available on our YouTube page.
