PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Basic Health)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising rules in order to implement health coverage tax credit (HCTC) enrollment as required by chapter 192, Laws of 2004.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.47.050 and chapter 192, Laws of 2004.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2004 legislature passed ESHB 2797, authorizing the enrollment of health coverage tax credit enrollees through basic health. Revisions to basic health rules are required in order to implement this program.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Health coverage tax credit eligibility is established under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2003, P.L. 107-210, and is administered by the federal Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is responsible for approving qualified plans for the HCTC program. Representatives from the OIC and the HCTC program will be included in development and review of these rules.
Process for Developing New Rule: Meetings with OIC and HCTC to ensure that rules comply with the requirements of the HCTC program, stakeholder mailings, and public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Information on proposed rule making can be obtained from Rosanne Reynolds, P.O. Box 42686, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail Rrey107@hca.wa.gov. Information on proposed rule making will also be available on the Health Care Authority website at http://www.hca.wa.gov/laws/index.shtml.
April 6, 2004
Melodie Bankers
Rules Coordinator