Change & choices
Methow Valley
Health
&
Wellness 2013/2014
Don Nelson, publisher/editor Sue Misao, design Robin Doggett, advertising manager Callie Fink, advertising Dana Sphar, ad design/production Linda Day, ad design Marilyn Bardin, office manager Contributors Ann McCreary Marcy Stamper Laurelle Walsh A publication of the Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, Twisp WA 98856 (509) 997-7011 • Fax 509-997-3277 editor@methowvalleynews.com www.methowvalleynews.com
The most sweeping changes in the American health care system in decades are upon us, and that means some important decisions loom for Washington state residents. With the federal Affordable Care Act comes the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, which offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirements set by the ACA to cover essential health care services, and Washington Healthplanfinder (www.wahealthplanfinder.org), an online marketplace which explains the insurance plans approved by the state and provides a way to sign up for coverage. In our annual Health & Wellness special publication for 2013-14, we provide a primer on understanding the state’s offerings and how to take advantage of them. See the thorough story by reporters Marcy Stamper and Ann McCreary beginning on page 4. Also in Health & Wellness you’ll find stories about Three Rivers Hospital’s Baby-Friendly program, the debate over natural and artificial sweeteners, and the prognosis for rural health care. The Methow Valley and Okanogan County health care communities offer many options for preventative care and treatment. You’ll find many of them represented as advertisers in Health & Wellness. We appreciate their support and we hope you’ll appreciate their services. –Don Nelson
Contents Navigating the Affordable Care Act ..................................... 4 Being Baby-Friendly .................. 8 Choosing a sweetener ............ 10 The outlook for rural care ...... 12
Cover photo by Don Nelson
24 Hour Emergency & Trauma Care Baby Friendly Labor & Delivery 24 Hour Laboratory Services Radiology & Mobile MRI Imaging Columbia Medical & Surgical Services Advantage Durable Medical Equipment
507 Hospital Way • Brewster, WA 98812 www.threerivershospital.net www.threerivershospital.net HEALTH & WELLNESS 3