SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6617

                    As of February 5, 1998

Title:  An act relating to health insurance benefits for eating disorders.

Brief Description:  Requiring health carriers to provide coverage for the treatment of eating disorders.

Sponsors:  Senators Brown, Patterson and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/5/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Jonathan Seib (786-7427)

Background:  There is concern that health insurance policies do not provide adequate coverage for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Summary of Bill:  All health insurance policies issued by carriers after July 1, 1998 are required to provide coverage for treatment of eating disorders.  The coverage must allow the attending provider to make treatment decisions, and must be at least as favorable as the coverage made available for other major illnesses.

Carriers are defined to include disability insurers, health care service contractors, health maintenance organizations, the state Health Care Authority and the state health insurance pool.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.