H-3523.1          _______________________________________________

                                  HOUSE BILL 2408

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State of Washington              54th Legislature             1996 Regular Session

By Representatives Dyer and Sherstad

Read first time 01/10/96.  Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

Authorizing self-insured employers to provide industrial insurance medical aid benefits through a health care benefit plan.

     AN ACT Relating to industrial insurance medical aid benefits provided by self-insured employers; and adding new sections to chapter 51.14 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 51.14 RCW to read as follows:

     Beginning January 1, 1997, a self-insured employer may elect to provide the medical aid benefits required under this title through a health care benefit plan self-funded by the employer to provide general health care benefits to employees.  A self-insurer electing this option:

     (1) Must provide notice of the election to the department in a manner prescribed by department rules;

     (2) Must ensure that injured workers are provided with medical benefits at least equivalent to the medical aid benefits required under this title;

     (3) May not require premium sharing or deductibles, coinsurance, copayment, or other cost-sharing for services related to industrial injuries or diseases; and

     (4) Except as provided in this section, is not relieved of any obligation, liability, or restriction imposed by this title.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 51.14 RCW to read as follows:

     The department of labor and industries may adopt rules necessary to implement section 1 of this act.

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