HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/17/09, 2/20/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Revises the Basic Health Plan 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.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Background:

The Basic Health Plan is a state-sponsored program providing low-cost health care coverage through private health plans.

The Basic Health Plan is for Washington residents who are:

within the Basic Health Plan'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 U.S. 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 the 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.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) For workers who have recently lost their job, the Basic Health Plan may be an option for them to continue their health coverage. If federal or state funds become available to help subsidize unemployed workers health coverage, this will be a cost-effective option.

(Opposed) None.