Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-531-0200 Physician-related and health care professional services requiring prior authorization, 182-531-0375 Audiology services, 182-547-0850 Coverage—Clients age twenty-one and older; other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is revising these rules to include coverage for adult cochlear implants for apple health (medicaid) clients. The legislature provided funding for adult cochlear implants in the 2023-2025 omnibus operating budget. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional related changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

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 Jason Crabbe, Rule-Making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-9563, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay service (TRS) 711, email jason.crabbe@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Korrina Dalke, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45506, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, phone 360-725-2005, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email korrina.dalke@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.