FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5038

                           C 2 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Extending time periods for certain health care reform activities.

Sponsors:  Senator Quigley.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Under current law, after July 1, 1995, the Insurance Commissioner must certify that any insuring entity who wishes to offer health insurance meets a new set of requirements known as certified health plan standards.  After that date, no one may provide health insurance without first being so certified.  In addition, after July 1, 1995, no insuring entity, including any certified health plan, may offer health insurance that is less than the uniform benefits package.  After July 1, 1995, the state's Basic Health Plan must contract with certified health plans. 

The uniform benefits package is a set of health services generally described in state law as being the benefit and actuarial equivalent of the Basic Health Plan with several additions.  State law requires that the Health Services Commission submit draft rules to the Legislature by December 1, 1994, which contain a specific schedule of services to be included in the uniform benefits package. 

The Legislature may disapprove of the uniform benefits package by an act of law at any time prior to the 30th day of the current legislative session.  If disapproval occurs, the commission must resubmit a modified benefits package within 15 days of the disapproval.  If the Legislature does not disapprove or modify the package by an act of law by the end of the regular session, the package is approved.

Summary:  The date by which health insurance entities must be certified as certified health plans is moved from July 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995.

The requirement that the Legislature must disapprove by an act of law the Health Services Commission's draft rules describing the uniform benefits package is moved from the 30th day of this legislative session to the last day of the regular session.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     96 0

Effective:  February 3, 1995