3154 AMH SULL H5146.1

HB 3154 - H AMD 668 FAILED 3-4-00

By Representative Sullivan

    On page 9, after line 24, insert the following:

    "(4) A person may seek independent review, as provided in RCW 48.43.--- (2SSB 6199, section 11), of a carrier's decision not to accept the person's application for enrollment in an individual health plan based upon the results of the standard health questionnaire.  A carrier's decision not to accept a person's application for enrollment in an individual health plan based upon the results of a standard health questionnaire is not a basis for a cause of action under RCW 48.43.--- (2SSB 6199, section 17)."

EFFECT:  A person who is denied enrollment in an individual health plan based upon the results of a standard health questionnaire can seek independent review of that decision by an independent review organization, as provided in the recently enacted Patients Bill of Rights.  A decision by a health plan to deny enrollment based upon the questionnaire is not a basis for a lawsuit against the carrier under the carrier liability provision of the Patients Bill of Rights.

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