FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2837

                         C 269 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying the definition of medicare supplemental insurance or medicare supplement insurance policy.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Cody and Murray; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Medicare coverage is available to persons over the age of 65, persons suffering from end-stage renal disease, or persons who have disabilities.  In many cases, persons covered by Medicare choose to have additional insurance to pay for health care not covered by Medicare.  Such additional coverage, called Medicare supplemental insurance coverage, is designed as a program that supplements reimbursements under the Medicare program.  The Medicare program is established under federal law and is administered under both federal and state law.  State programs must comply with minimum federal standards.  Federal law defining Medicare supplemental insurance has been revised.

Summary:  Changes are made to Washington's definition of Medicare supplemental insurance to conform to changes in federal law.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    45 1 (Senate amended)

House     94 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  March 29, 1996