Western Washington University

03/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/13/2026 09:25

CBE’s Hart Hodges appointed by governor to the Washington’s Health Care Cost Transparency Board

CBE's Hart Hodges appointed by governor to the Washington's Health Care Cost Transparency Board

Hodges joins board charged with making health care more affordable and accountable

March 13, 2026

by Jennifer Nerad

University Communications

Hart Hodges

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.

He was recommended for the board by a University of Washington colleague, recognizing his expertise in health economics and his dedication to understanding the role of economics in shaping public policy.

The volunteer board brings together experts from across the state to improve transparency in health care spending. Members analyze cost data, set benchmarks for cost growth, and provide policy recommendations to make health care more affordable and accountable. The board helps policymakers, providers, and the public understand the factors driving health care costs and identify opportunities for improvement.

"I am looking forward to applying what we teach in the classroom and what I have learned through my research in the policy arena," Hodges said. "I'm particularly excited to be working with the cost board given the importance of health care in general and the opportunity to alter the trajectory of the cost of health care."

Hodges has taught Economics in Western's College of Business and Economics since 2000 and has directed CEBR since 2001. His research focuses on natural resource and environmental economics, health economics, and applied business economics.

Learn more about WWU's Center for Economic and Business Research and the Department of Economics in the College of Business and Economics.

Jennifer Nerad covers Western's College of Business and Economics and College of the Environment for the Office of University Communications. Have a great story idea? Reach out to her at [email protected].

Western Washington University published this content on March 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 13, 2026 at 15:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]