WSR 13-24-109

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Insurance Commissioner Matter No. R 2013-27—Filed December 4, 2013, 7:28 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Plan management requirements for individual, small group and large group health coverage markets.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.18.100, 48.43.340, 48.43.515, 48.43.715, 48.44.050, 48.46.200.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Form and rate review standards for nongrandfathered and grandfathered plans changed beginning with the 2014 benefit year. Current state administrative regulations in Title 284 WAC do not reflect these standards. In addition, the office of the insurance commissioner's business process requirements necessitated by the new rating standards are not explained in regulation. The commissioner proposes rule making to document the business process requirements for issuers filing forms and rates for review, and the standards for review and approval related to the reformed health coverage marketplaces.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulates the subject, and the state's health benefit exchange certifies qualified health plans to HHS. During the development of the proposed rules, agency staff will communicate with staff of both entities, and provide the opportunity for comment and recommendations.

Process for Developing New Rule: Submit written comments by January 10, 2014, to rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-3109.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Meg Jones, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504, rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-3109.

December 4, 2013

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner