PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-542 WAC, Children's health insurance program (CHIP), and related rules as appropriate.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.510, 74.09.522, and 74.09.450 and 2003-05 Revised Omnibus Operating Budget - 2004 Supplement (ESSB 2459).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish:
| • | The monthly premium for a child will increase from $10 to $15. |
| • | The maximum monthly premium paid per family will increase from $30 to $45. |
| • | A client's eligibility for the program will end after three consecutive months of nonpayment of premiums; the current rule allows four consecutive months. |
| • | The wait period before CHIP coverage can be reinstated for a client, whose coverage was terminated for not paying the premiums for three consecutive months, is being reduced from four months to three months. |
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kevin Sullivan, MAA Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1344, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail sullikm@dshs.wa.gov, TDD 1-800-848-5429.
May 4, 2004
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit