Key Points
- Hart Hodges appointed to state board by governor.
- WWU economics professor directs CEBR since 2001.
- Board analyses health costs, sets growth benchmarks.
- Hodges focuses on health economics, public policy.
- Aims to make Washington health care more affordable.
Bellingham (Evening Washington News) March 13, 2026 - Hart Hodges, associate professor of Economics and director of Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), has been appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson to the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Health Care Cost Transparency Board, marking a significant step in addressing escalating health care expenditures in the state this year.
Who is Hart Hodges?
Hart Hodges brings extensive academic and research credentials to his new role. As reported by Jennifer Nerad of Western Washington University News, Hodges has taught Economics in Western’s College of Business and Economics (CBE) since 2000 and has directed CEBR since 2001. His research focuses on natural resource and environmental economics, health economics, and applied business economics, areas directly relevant to the board's mission.
From the College of Business and Economics profile, Hodges received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1994 from the University of Washington, followed by teaching stints at the University of Puget Sound and roles including natural resource damage assessment economist for the U.S. Department of the Interior and work with an economic consulting firm in Alaska. He joined Western in 2000, where he also serves on the Northwest Workforce Council board and collaborates with businesses and public agencies through CEBR.
Hodges was recommended for the board by a University of Washington colleague, who highlighted his expertise in health economics and dedication to economics in public policy. This appointment underscores his transition from academia to direct policy influence in 2026.
What is the Health Care Cost Transparency Board?
The Health Care Cost Transparency Board, established under Substitute House Bill 2457 effective June 11, 2021, operates under the Washington State Health Care Authority to curb health care cost growth. As detailed in Washington State Hospital Association reports, the board determines annual total health care expenditures, identifies cost trends and drivers, and sets a health care cost growth benchmark.
The volunteer board comprises experts analysing cost data, providing policy recommendations for affordability and accountability. It helps policymakers, providers, and the public understand cost drivers and improvement opportunities. Per Milbank Memorial Fund FAQs, responsibilities include an annual data call for expenditures, benchmark setting for providers and payers.
In 2023, the board and Health Care Authority received a $1.7 million grant, boosting efforts. Recent activities include February 19, 2026, Advisory Committee meetings on stakeholder issues. Governor Bob Ferguson selected Hodges for his specialised knowledge. As reported by Jennifer Nerad of Western Washington University News, the appointment recognises Hodges' health economics prowess and policy application skills. A University of Washington colleague's recommendation sealed it, noting his classroom teachings and research alignment with board goals.
Hodges expressed enthusiasm: “I am looking forward to applying what we teach in the classroom and what I have learned through my research in the policy arena,” he said.
This 2026 appointment aligns with ongoing board needs amid rising costs outpacing inflation, as discussed in TVW's Inside Olympia programme where experts stressed bending the cost curve to 2.8% annual growth by 2026 from over 5% norms.
What Does the Board Do Exactly?
The board's core functions are multifaceted. It conducts annual data calls to gauge total health care spending, sets benchmarks tied to median wage and Potential Gross State Product targeting 3.2% in early years phasing to 2.8% by 2026 and identifies exceeding providers.
As per Opportunity Institute analysis, it compares expenditures to benchmarks and releases reports. Advisory committees, including health care providers, carriers (with hospital representation), and data issues groups, support data collection and benchmark creation.
Washington Health Care for All-Washington outlines the "READY-SET-GO" mandate: READY to identify expenditures, SET benchmarks, GO with price-lowering recommendations. Board manager AnnaLisa Gellermann, JD, with 20 years in government including as Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner, leads these efforts, welcoming stakeholder collaboration. Recent meetings, like October 23, 2025, and February 2026 advisory sessions, focus on materials and progress towards 2026 targets.
Who Serves on the Health Care Cost Transparency Board?
The board consists of 14 members from agencies and industries, plus a nonvoting provider-carrier advisory member. Specific current lists for 2026 remain forthcoming post-Hodges' addition, but it draws statewide experts. Key figures include AnnaLisa Gellermann as manager since 2021. Her background: Assistant Attorney General, Labor and Industries manager, Insurance Commissioner roles, first female Chief Deputy under Mike Kreidler. She serves boards like WSHIP, WHCFA, Behavioral Health Resources, Kids’ Chance Washington.
Hodges joins this mix, enhancing economic analysis. The board also forms advisory committees: one for providers/carriers (hospitals included), another for data issues.
Benchmarks measure growth against economic indicators. Per Opportunity Institute, the target was 3.2% initially, declining to 2.8% by 2026, matching states like Massachusetts. This aligns with TVW discussions on curbing over 5% rises.
The board enforces via reports naming exceeders, considering cost drivers like those advocated by WSHA. In 2020 legislation, WSHA ensured driver inclusion in benchmark calculations. Six in 10 Washingtonians face medical payment difficulties, driving urgency for 2.8% by 2026.
What Challenges Does the Board Face?
Data collection poses initial hurdles. SHB 2457 required a preliminary August 1, 2021, report on plans and challenges. Ongoing issues include accurate expenditure tracking amid complex systems. TVW's Inside Olympia highlighted delayed care from costs outpacing inflation. Gellermann noted delight in stakeholder work but acknowledged rising cost tackling's scale.
A $1.7 million 2023 grant aids, yet enforcement needs strengthening, per policy recommendations for penalties and transparency rules. Hodges' health economics focus directly aids cost analysis. His CEBR role involves business-public agency work, mirroring board needs. Ph.D. from UW, environmental masters from Duke, BA from Williams College bolster credentials.
Past roles: World Resources Institute research associate, Bellingham committees like Budget Advisory and Affordable Housing Task Force. Waycross Investment notes his stock model oversight, responsible investing interest.
At WWU, he advances economics in policy, now applying to health trajectories.
What is Washington's Health Care Cost Landscape in 2026?
Costs rise faster than inflation, delaying care for many. Board targets 2.8% growth amid 5%+ norms. Total expenditures demand annual scrutiny.
Policy pushes include price regulation for hospitals, public plans; benchmark penalties. HCCTB builds on models from other states.
Hodges' 2026 entry comes as board nears key targets, with meetings like February 2026 showing activity. Hodges could bridge academia-policy gaps. His quote signals intent to "alter the trajectory," leveraging research. CEBR's regional focus may inform statewide data. With Gellermann's regulatory experience, combined efforts might refine benchmarks, recommendations. Neutral observers see potential for data-driven affordability gains.
Broader Context of State Appointments?
Governor Ferguson's choice fits 2026 health priorities. Board evolution from 2020 bill to active entity with grants, meetings shows maturation.
No other recent appointments detailed, but volunteer expert model persists. Hodges' profile exemplifies sought qualifications. Targets loom: 2.8% by 2026 end. Recommendations could spur legislation, per WSHA. Ongoing advisories ensure input. Hodges' involvement promises economic rigour, potentially yielding actionable insights for sustainable care.