FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1096
C 60 L 21
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning nonmedicare plans offered through the Washington state health insurance pool.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Cody, Leavitt, Ortiz-Self, Riccelli and Macri.
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Background:

The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP), Washington's high risk pool, provides coverage for:

  • individuals ineligible for Medicare who were enrolled in WSHIP health plans prior to December 31, 2013;
  • individuals ineligible for Medicare who live in a county where non-catastrophic individual health coverage is unavailable; and
  • individuals eligible for Medicare who do not have access to a reasonable choice of Medicare Advantage plans and provide evidence of rejection for medical reasons, restrictive riders, an up-rated premium, preexisting condition limitations, or lack of access to a comprehensive Medicare supplemental plan.

 

 The costs of coverage through the WSHIP are paid through premiums and assessments on health insurers.  The WSHIP has approximately 200 enrollees in individual, non-Medicare coverage, and 1,100 enrollees in Medicare coverage.
 
After December 31, 2022, individual, non-Medicare coverage will no longer be offered through the WSHIP.

Summary:

The expiration date for individual, non-Medicare coverage purchased through the WSHIP is eliminated.

Votes on Final Passage:
House 96 0
Senate 49 0
Effective:

July 25, 2021