Subject of Possible Rule Making: Reviewing rules related to premium refunds, retiree eligibility, waiving coverage and employee eligibility for participation in the PEBB medical flexible spending account plan.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.160.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority will be reviewing all requirements in Title 182 WAC related to premium refunds, retiree eligibility and waiving coverage to clarify and streamline administration of the PEBB program. WAC 182-12-116 will be amended to further clarify employee eligibility for participation in the public employees' benefits board (PEBB) medical flexible spending account plan. Other amendments will also be considered.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Stakeholder mailing and public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barbara Scott, Health Care Authority, 676 Woodland Square Loop S.E., P.O. Box 42684, Olympia, WA 98504-2684, phone (360) 923-2642, fax (360) 923-2602.

January 4, 2006

Cyndi Presnell

Assistant Rules Coordinator