H-4181.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 3000

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Representatives Parlette, Linville, Clements, Benson, D. Sommers, Mulliken, Mastin and Grant

Read first time 01/25/2000.  Referred to Committee on Health Care.

Clarifying that individuals purchasing health plans through associations are not considered small employers.

    AN ACT Relating to individuals purchasing health plans provided through associations; and amending RCW 48.44.024.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    Sec. 1.  RCW 48.44.024 and 1995 c 265 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) No health care service contractor shall offer any health benefit plan to any small employer without complying with the provisions of RCW 48.44.023(((5))) (3).

    (2) Employers or individuals purchasing health plans provided through associations or through member-governed groups formed specifically for the purpose of purchasing health care shall not be considered small employers and such plans shall not be subject to the provisions of RCW 48.44.023(((5))) (3).

    (3) For purposes of this section, "health benefit plan," "health plan," and "small employer" mean the same as defined in RCW 48.43.005.

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