Brief Description: Eliminating basic health plan eligibility of persons holding student visas.

Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Cody, Sommers, Darneille, Schual-Berke, Kenney and Clibborn.

Hearing Date: 2/3/05

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Basic Health Plan provides coverage to people who are not eligible for Medicare, not confined in government-operated facilities, live in an area of the state served by a participating managed care program, have household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and agree to make periodic payments to the plan. Eligibility does not require that an enrollee be a United States citizen.

Summary of Bill:

Full-time students on a temporary visa to study in the United States are not eligible to enroll in the Basic Health Plan.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 01/28/05.

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