Lori Grassi WSCA Executive of Legislation and Policy


Cost of Living Adjustments in Fee Schedules


For the past two legislative sessions, the WSCA has led a provider coalition to pass legislation to require insurance carriers to give independent providers a cost-of-living increase in fee schedules, based on the Consumer Price Index-urban (CPI).


Just over the past five years, the CPI has gone up almost 20%. In those same years, the fee schedules for providers who are not attached to a hospital or hospital system have ultimately been stagnant. For chiropractors, we know that is true, and showed legislators the proof.


Ultimately, in a short legislative session with a supplemental budget, we were unable to get the bill moving beyond the Health Care Committees, but


Dr. Chad Hurst and Lori Grassi giving testimony in House Health Care on HB 1655.


this time both chambers heard the issue, saw the proof by many health professions, and legislators are aware of the problem.


Our coalition had seventeen health professions and strong testimony was delivered from optometrists, physical therapists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors, to name a few.


The engagement by healthcare providers was unprecedented. There were 2,200 signatures of support in the House, and 1,600 in the Senate. This sends a big message but what we really need is people to take ONE DAY and come to Olympia! I can’t tell you how much of a difference it makes!


Thank you to the chiropractors who came to Olympia and held their legislative meetings and reported the discussions back to me. This makes such a difference in the outcome. I hope I have not missed anyone in this list!


Stephen Ball, DC • David Butters, DC • Luther Chau, DC Tim Day, DC • Kelly Golob, DC • Chad Hurst, DC Mark Jones, DC • Mike Kinnear, DC Kimberly Palmer-Yee, DC • Robert Perkes, DC Skylar Pond, DC and Alicia Pond (acupuncturist)


John Sim, DC • Matthew Sleeman, DC • David Stemp, DC Ron Wilcox, DC • Edward Yee, DC


(l to r): Dr. Mark Jones and Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Andy Billig (D-3) and Dr. Tim Day.


(l to r): Dr. Tim Day, Dr. Mark Jones and Marcus Riccelli, House Health Care & Wellness Chair.


(l to r): Dr. Edward Yee, Dr. Kimberly Palmer-Yee with Rep. and House Minority Leader, Drew Stokesbary (R-31).


(l to r): Dr. Mike Kinnear, Dr. Kimberly Palmer-Yee, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, Eli Perkes, Dr. Matthew Sleeman and Dr. Robert Perkes.


Dr. Luther Chau, DC and Michelle Caldier, R-26.


(l to r): WSCA Board President Dr. Chad Hurst and Rep. Mike Steele, R-12.


Dr. John Sim in front of the Governor’s Mansion.


You have an opportunity to make a difference between March and November! The entire House of Representatives is up for election, and half of the Senate. Meet your current legislators, call them to schedule a coffee meeting and discuss this bill! Contribute to them and ask if they will support the bill. Report that information back to me! If you need assistance with your meetings, contact me and I will guide you, or attend with you!


Ple x us F e b/Mar c h 202 4 9


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