Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1669

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: Establishing a task force on continuity of health coverage and care.

Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Harris, Cody, Tharinger, Van De Wege, Jinkins, Sawyer, Moeller and S. Hunt.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes the Task Force on Continuity of Coverage and Care.

  • Requires the Office of Financial Management to contract for a study of the affordability and availability of health care coverage in Washington.

Hearing Date: 2/11/15

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Health care coverage for individuals can come from a variety of sources. For example:

Based on factors like employment status or income, individuals may lose eligibility for their sources of coverage, gain eligibility for new coverage, or voluntarily switch coverage.

Summary of Bill:

The Task Force on Continuity of Health Coverage and Care is established (Task Force). The Governor must appoint members to the Task Force representing:

The Task Force will select its chair from among its membership. The Governor must convene the first meeting of the Task Force.

The Task Force must review and analyze data and identify options and strategies regarding:

Meetings of the Task Force are open to the public and must provide opportunities for public comment. Staff support for the Task Force must be provided by the Office of Financial Management.

The Task Force must report its preliminary findings and recommendations to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2015, and a final report by December 1, 2016. The Task Force expires on June 30, 2017.

The Office of Financial Management must contract for a study of the affordability and availability of health care coverage in Washington. The study must evaluate:

The Office of Financial Management must submit the results of the study to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Task Force by March 1, 2016.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 3, 2014.

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