Brief Description: Eliminating basic health plan eligibility of persons holding student visas.

Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Sommers, Cody, Wallace, Campbell and McMahan.

Hearing Date: 2/20/03

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Currently, statutory eligibility for the Basic Health Plan includes people who are not eligible for Medicare, not confined in government-operated facilities, live in an area of the state served by a participating managed care program, have household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and agree to make periodic payments to the plan. Eligibility does not require that an enrollee be a United States citizen.

Summary of Bill:

Full-time students on a temporary visa to study in the United States are not eligible to enroll in the Basic Health Plan.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.