HB 1262 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Terminates the health services commission on January 1, 1996, and transfers parts of its powers and duties to the Washington health care authority, to the department of health, and to the insurance commissioner.

     Appoints a seasonal employment advisory committee.

     Creates a joint committee on health systems oversight.

     Requires every health carrier to offer the standard benefits package to residents of this state as the minimum level of coverage after January 1, 1996.

     Prescribes the duties of a health carrier offering a health plan in the state.

     Revises the standard benefits package design.

     Provides that premium rates for health plans shall not be excessive, inadequate, or discriminatory.

     Establishes a framework for financing and providing for long-term care and support services for functionally disabled persons and others.

     Revises the provisions pertaining to two life care pilot projects.

     Requires a review of state and federal laws to determine a need for repeals, amendments, or waivers necessary to implement chapter 492, Laws of 1993.

     Directs the legislative budget committee to evaluate the implementation of the act and report its findings by July 1, 2003.

     Directs the overall compliance with the requirements of chapter 48.43 RCW as it relates to disability insurance, contractual benefits, health care services contractors, and health maintenance organizations that are health plans as defined.

     Revises the instructions for the preparation of a brochure outlining the benefits and exclusions of the pool policy.

     Directs the processes to be employed by health carriers for utilization reviews.

     Extends the period for the insurance commissioner to report on the progress of the asset protection program to 1998.

     Revises the powers and duties of the administrator to administer a schedule of covered health services entitled the basic health plan.

     Directs the legislative budget committee to conduct a feasibility study to determine the cost-effectiveness and logistics of contracting out the administration and delivery of all juvenile and adult inmate health care services.

     Repeals RCW 43.72.020.