SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1375

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 19, 2004

Title: An act relating to basic health plan eligibility of persons studying in the United States under temporary visas.

Brief Description: Eliminating basic health plan eligibility of persons holding student visas.

Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Sommers, Cody, Wallace, Campbell and McMahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/27/03, 4/2/03 [DP]; 2/19/04, [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Brandland, Franklin, Keiser, Parlette and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Jonathan Seib (786-7427)

Background: Currently, enrollment in the Basic Health Plan is limited to people who are ineligible for Medicare, not confined in government-operated facilities, live in an area of the state served by a participating managed care program, have a family income no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and agree to make periodic payments to the plan. An enrollee is not required to be a United States citizen.

Summary of Bill: Full-time students on a temporary visa to study in the United States are not eligible to enroll in the Basic Health Plan.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: No one.