HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1099

Providing health benefits for guard members.

Brief Title                               Hearing Date: 2/3/99

Reps. Sullivan, Schmidt, & Gombosky      Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

Washington national guard=s active and retired members are not currently covered by the state=s health insurance plan.  Members and retired guard members may have health insurance through their employer, but they are not covered by any state system through their guard service.

SUMMARY:

Allows Washington national guard and retired guard members to purchase health benefits from the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), excluding dental insurance, life insurance, liability insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. 

Active and retired members would be charged the same health care benefit rates as state employees and retirees, but would be required to pay their full cost of coverage.  This cost is partly subsidized by the PEBB, and therefore is at a reduced rate than market rate individual coverage.

Members and retirees would also be charged additional administrative costs to activate a new group with the PEBB, and for the PEBB to negotiate a contract with health care providers for them. 

Excludes retired guard members from the explicit Medicare Subsidy provided in statute.

Implementation must happen no later than January 1, 2000.

FISCAL NOTE: On file.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.