Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is developing rules under ESSB 5187, section 211(83), 68th legislature, 2023 regular session. This legislation directs the agency to implement a program with coverage comparable the categorically needy medicaid program for certain adults age 19 and older who: (a) Have an immigration status making them ineligible for medicaid or federal subsidies through the health benefit exchange; and (b) are not eligible for another full scope federally funded medical assistance program. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional related changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

Process for Developing New Rule: The agency welcomes the public to take part in developing this rule. If interested, contact the person identified below to receive an early rule draft to review. After the early review, the agency will send a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) to everyone receiving this notice and anyone who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Melinda Froud, Rule-Making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1408, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay service (TRS) 711, email melinda.froud@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Annette Schuffenhauer, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1254, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email annette.schuffenhauer@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.