S-1462.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 5929

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

By Senators Wojahn, Moyer, Bauer, Winsley and Long

Read first time 02/15/95.  Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.

Requiring written disclosure of health care coverage.

    AN ACT Relating to written disclosure of health care coverage and benefits; and adding a new section to chapter 48.01 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 48.01 RCW to read as follows:

    In order to ensure that all individuals understand their health care options and are able to make informed decisions, all insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations shall provide employees, members, enrollees, or consumers with written disclosure of coverage and benefits.  This disclosure shall include coverage principles and any exclusions or restrictions on coverage, and make available upon request information on evaluation and treatment policies for specific conditions.  The information provided must be current, easily understandable, and easily available prior to enrollment or membership and upon request after enrollment or membership.

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