HB 2590 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

      Creates an agency of state government to be known as the Washington health services commission.

      Designates the powers and duties of the commission and its chair.

      Requires a uniform benefits package to be provided through certified health plans and specifies the requirements to be eligible for certification.

      Creates advisory committees to help establish structures and processes that ensure effective participation of all interested parties.

      Specifies special circumstances for decertification of health plans.

      Establishes conflict of interest standards for providers.

      Directs consideration of the reports of the health care cost control and access commission.

      Creates a health services trust fund.

      Directs the commission to develop and adopt criteria for a personal health services data and information system.

      Transfers the powers, duties, functions and employees of the Washington basic health plan to the Washington state health care authority.

      Creates the basic health plan employer tax account and the basic health plan subscription account.

      Revises premium payment requirements for participating employers and employees.

      Repeals RCW 43.131.355 and 43.131.356.

      Directs that certain marketing and underwriting practices by disability insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations be more aggressively regulated.

      Requires all business entities in the state to be afforded the opportunity to enroll as a group in an insured plan without medical underwriting except as specifically provided.

      Declares the uniform benefits package adopted pursuant to the act to be the minimum benefits package required of any plan.

      Directs the workers' compensation advisory committee to conduct a study of the relationship between workers' compensation and the uniform benefits package.

      Declares a priority to develop a coordinated health system for low-income people.

      Levies a tax on each employer and designates the formula for determining the tax liability.

      Provides for deductions from the tax liability.

      Establishes penalties for a failure to report or pay the tax imposed.

      Establishes a small business health insurance hardship program to assist employers severely impacted by the imposed tax.

      Imposes additional taxes for the health services trust fund on the sale of tobacco products, spirits, wine, beer, and on each authorized insurer.

      Makes appropriations to carry out the purposes of the act.