Washington state’s Universal Health Care Commission (UHCC) has been jonesing for a group to tell it how a government-run health care system could be financed. That way, the UHCC can better follow through with its charge from the Legislature to pave the path for universal, government-run health care in Washington state, no matter how long it takes. 

The commission is now accepting applications for nine advisory members to make up a Finance Technical Advisory Committee that it created this year. Members will “provide guidance and options for the commission’s development of a universal health care system, supported by unified financing in Washington state.” They will also have staff resources at their disposal. People with qualifications outlined by the UHCC are encouraged to apply until Nov. 30. 

While the UHCC looks forward to the FTAC applications rolling in and then advising it on how to get where it wants to go, I look forward to applicants who won’t sugarcoat harsh realities. See more information about the application process and expectations here. 

The goal of taxpayer-funded care for all might sound good, and it certainly does to many of this commission’s hand-picked members — until you see the bill or realize the access and quality sacrifices that are often made to have such a system. Another buzz kill is looking at all of the Department of Veterans Affairs' struggles being a government-run, single-payer health care program. It has had unacceptable wait times, huge inefficiencies and other challenges.

Government-controlled-care proposals routinely get shelved because they come without a realistic way to finance them. California, Vermont and Colorado all retreated from universal plans in their states when the actual costs became clear. 

A better path — one that the UHCC and lawmakers aren’t exploring — is a true free market system with fewer limitations and a more-controlled safety net than we have today. More competition and innovation are key to having a shot at cost containment. We also need more transparency in health care costs to help people become more educated consumers. State progress on the transparency front has been slow. 

Washingtonians need to be able to shop for the health care services that best suit their individual needs, much in the same way they shop for other life needs.