Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2117
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Modifying the basic health plan.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Morrell, Kenney and Conway.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/17/09
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146)
Background:
Basic Health is a state-sponsored program providing low-cost health care coverage through private health plans.
Basic Health is for Washington State residents who are:
within Basic Health's income guidelines;
not eligible for free or purchased Medicare;
not institutionalized at the time of enrollment; and
not attending school full-time in the United States on a student visa.
Summary of Bill:
The Basic Health Plan is modified to enable unemployed workers to maintain their health and avoid risk of financial hardship related to unpaid medical bills as they search for new employment. A new category of Basic Health Plan enrollee called an "economic recovery enrollee" is established. To qualify, the enrollee must become involuntarily unemployed on or after September 1, 2008, be unemployed at the time of application, or be receiving unemployment compensation benefits. If an economic recovery enrollee becomes eligible for federal funds to provide health coverage, those funds may be used to subsidize the premiums of the enrollee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.