PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-538 WAC, Managed care.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090 and 2003-2005 Revised Omnibus Operating Budget - 2004 Supplement (ESHB 2459, chapter 246, Laws of 2004).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2004 legislature authorized the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to "develop an integrated health care program designed to slow the progression of illness and disability and better manage Medicaid expenditures for the aged and disabled population." The legislation allows MAA to contract with health plans for new populations and services not included in Healthy Options contracts.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates Medicaid managed care programs. DSHS staff work closely with CMS staff via document review to ensure our rule is in compliance with federal regulation.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and comment on draft material. For information about how to participate, contact the person listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Wendy L. Boedigheimer, Rules Program Manager, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov.
June 18, 2004
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit