Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 6412
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: Assisting persons seeking individual health benefit plan coverage when their prior carrier has terminated individual coverage.
Sponsors: Senators Rolfes and Harper.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/12
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Before purchasing insurance on the individual market, a person must complete the standard health questionnaire, which is a type of health screening. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the person may be denied coverage. Certain individuals, however, are exempt from completing the standard health questionnaire:
persons moving from one geographic area to another where their current health plan is not offered;
persons whose established health care provider is no longer in the network of the individual health plan;
persons who have exhausted or terminated COBRA continuation of coverage;
persons who experience a change in employment status from a group that was exempt from COBRA requirements;
persons who have had 24 months of continuous coverage in the Basic Health Plan immediately prior to application;
persons who experienced a change in employment status that meets the definition of a qualifying event under COBRA; and
persons who experience a loss of coverage because their employer or former employer discontinues group coverage due to the closure of a business.
Summary of Bill:
A person is exempt from completing the standard health questionnaire if:
his or her health carrier discontinues all individual coverage by July 1, 2012;
application for coverage is made within 90 days of the carrier discontinuing coverage; and
the person had at least 24 months of individual coverage immediately prior to the termination.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.