Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-538-110 The grievance and appeal system and agency administrative hearing for managed care organization (MCO) enrollees; 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 amending this rule to align it with applicable federal government regulations and simplify the managed care organization (MCO) appeal process by removing the requirement that the MCO confirm an oral appeal in writing and removing the requirement that the MCO acknowledge receipt of each appeal in writing. During this review, the agency may identify additional related changes that are required to improve clarity or update policy.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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 Brian Jensen, Rule-Making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-0815, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunications relay service (TRS) 711, email brian.jensen@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Jodie Arneson, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45506, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, phone 360-725-1410, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email Jodie.arneson@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.