HOUSE BILL REPORT

HCR 4403

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Brief Description: Creating the Health Care Access Options Working Group.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Skinner, Cody, Hankins, Clibborn, Moeller, Pflug, Morrell, Campbell, Simpson, Conway, Santos and Upthegrove.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care: 2/26/03, 3/4/03 [DPA].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Benson, Campbell, Clibborn, Darneille, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Health care costs are currently rising at three times the rate of general inflation. Increasing health care costs impact government health programs, private companies providing insurance coverage for their employees, and individuals attempting to purchase health insurance.

Summary of Amended Bill:

A Health Care Access Options Working Group (Working Group) is created to examine the health care insurance system in the State of Washington and make recommendations for its improvement. The Working Group will prepare a report, including its findings and recommendations, and transmit the report to the Legislature and the Governor no later than January 1, 2005.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

A null and void clause is added.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Testimony For: The health care system is in crisis. There needs to be a fresh look taken at this system to help develop viable solutions.

Testimony Against: Small business organizations should have a say in selecting business representatives for the working group.

Testified: (In support) Representative Schual-Berke, prime sponsor; and Sarah Weinberg, Robert Fithian, and Paul Pruitt, Healthcare for All - Washington.

(Concerns) Carolyn Logue, National Federation of Independent Business.