SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB
1876
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, March 24, 1995
Title: An act relating to the modification of provisions governing certified health plans providing dental benefits only.
Brief Description: Modifying provision of dental services by certified health plans.
Sponsors: Representatives Dyer and Dellwo.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/23/95, 3/24/95 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin and Wood.
Staff: Don Sloma (786-7319)
Background: The Washington Health Services Act of 1993 requires newly created certified health plans (CHPs) to offer, at a minimum, the full uniform benefits package (UBP). The only exception to the requirement is dental-only CHPs. These CHPs were allowed to offer dental services as a separate, or "unbundled," service. The dental-only CHPs authorization was passed in two separate bills and codified in two different chapters of RCW.
In implementing the 1993 act, the Washington Health Services Commission found inconsistencies in the two provisions. This measure codifies the Dental-Only CHP provision in one statute and removes certain inconsistencies.
Summary of Bill: Insuring entities are permitted to offer coverage for dental services as part of, or separate from, the UBP, consistent with certification rules set by the Insurance Commissioner. This permission is not intended to convey a market advantage for dental-only CHPs. The Washington Health Services Commission and the Insurance Commissioner must develop and enforce separate cost containment requirements, including separate community-rated premium submaximums and enrollee financial participation submaximums.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 14, 1995.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1995.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: No one.