Title: An act relating to human immunodeficiency virus insurance coverage.

Brief Description: Modifying human immunodeficiency virus insurance program provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Green, Morrell, Appleton, Upthegrove, Murray, Cody, Moeller and McDermott.

Brief History:

Health Care: 1/17/06, 1/27/06 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Appleton, Clibborn, Green, Lantz, Moeller and Schual-Berke.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Bailey, Condotta and Skinner.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services has operated the acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Insurance Program (Program) since 1993. The Program ensures health insurance coverage for persons with human immunodeficiency virus who meet department eligibility standards, and are eligible for "continuation coverage" under federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act standards, or group insurance policies. In 2003, responsibility for the Program was transferred to the Department of Health, and the number of insurance policies supported by the Program was capped at the level in place on July 1, 2003.

Summary of Bill:

The cap on the number of insurance policies supported by the Program in the Washington State Health Insurance Pool is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The cap on the number of people who can transfer from the Program to the high risk pool should be lifted. It provides good coverage and doesn't use any public money.

Testimony Against: Allowing more people to transfer from the Program to the high risk pool will make that program more expensive and drive up the cost of health insurance premiums.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Darneille, prime sponsor; and Tina Podlodowski, Lifelong Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Alliance.

(Opposed) Sydney Zvara, Association of Washington Healthcare Plans; and Mel Sorensen, America's Health Insurance Plans and Washington Association of Health Underwriters.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.