FINAL BILL REPORT
HB
2314
Synopsis as Enacted
C 8 L 92
Brief Description: Revising provisions for providing medical services.
By Representative Franklin; by request of Dept. of Social and Health Services.
House Committee on Health Care
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Background: The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS's) medical assistance (Medicaid) program is the state's largest publicly funded health benefits program. It provides medical services to low-income and disabled persons with a broad scope of services, including: preventive and primary care; in and out-patient services; dental care; drugs; medical equipment; and a variety of screening and testing services. It serves about 510,000 persons monthly, with a biennial budget of $2.2 billion.
Current law requires DSHS to reimburse hospitals on a "day rate" or "ratio to charge of cost" basis. These methods are out-dated and no longer used.
DSHS purchases in-patient hospital services on a selective contract or a prospective diagnosis-related grouping basis, and outpatient hospital services on a percentage of charge basis.
Summary: Obsolete language is deleted and replaced with wording that permits DSHS to purchase services on contract or established-rate basis.
Votes on Final Passage:
House 96 0
Senate 43 3
Effective: June 11, 1992