The story with more than 2 sides: Washington's new health insurance rules

It seems almost no one is happy with the new rules for health insurance plans in Washington state.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler introduced the rules earlier this year with the goal of improving patient access to medical care. The changes newly require the insurance industry to prove that the networks of doctors and providers they include in their health plans are accessible.

Insurance companies argue the new requirements are burdensome and will drive up costs.

Doctors and hospitals argue the rules don't go far enough to require insurers to include a robust variety of options for consumers.

At its core, the debate is about the rising prominence of narrow networks in health plans in the state exchange: Insurance companies are building lower-cost networks that don't include doctors and hospitals that insurers consider too expensive.

It's unusual for me to accept three different guest columns on any given topic, but this one has created so much angst in every sector of the health care industry that it has surpassed the proverbial 'two sides' to a story.

I wanted to provide one place that includes each of the columns and perspectives:

Kreidler's op-ed is here, while the insurance industry's perspective is represented here, and doctors and hospitals get their say here.

What do you think about the new rules? Let me know on Twitter @BizHealth_PSBJ.

Valerie Bauman covers health care and the marijuana industry for the Puget Sound Business Journal.