Brief Description: Creating the Health Care Access Options Working Group.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Skinner, Cody, Hankins, Clibborn, Moeller, Pflug, Morrell, Campbell, Simpson, Conway, Santos and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/26/03

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Health care costs are currently rising at three times the rate of general inflation. Increasing health care costs impact government health programs, private companies providing insurance coverage for their employees, and individuals attempting to purchase health insurance.

Summary of Bill:

A Health Care Access Options Working Group (Working Group) is created to examine the health care insurance system in the State of Washington and make recommendations for its improvement. The Working Group will prepare a report, including its findings and recommendations, and transmit the report to the Legislature and the Governor no later than January 1, 2005.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.