Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The state supplemental operating budget (section 211 (34), chapter 376, Laws of 2024 (ESSB 5950)), included funding for the health care authority (HCA) to implement a birth doula benefit for apple health (medicaid) clients. HCA is developing rules in chapter 182-533 WAC and amending WAC 182-502-0002 to accomplish this. During the course of this review, HCA 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: HCA 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, HCA 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 Beth Tinker, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, phone 360-725-1047, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email beth.tinker@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.