Senate approves health care bills

OLYMPIA – The Senate has approved Gov. Christine Gregoire’s proposal for a task force on long-term care.

The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday for legislation to create a seven-member joint legislative and executive study group to come up with public and private financing ideas for long-term care, particularly in rural areas.

Sponsors said the state’s over-65 population is expected to balloon by 84 percent in the next 15 years.

Many seniors get help from family and friends, but long-term care can be extremely expensive. Individuals have to be poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid, must have long-term insurance or be able to pay out of pocket.

The measure now goes to the House.

Associated Press