Brief Description: Modifying basic health plan preexisting condition limitation requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Morrell, Moeller, Hasegawa, Cody, Simpson, Green, Ormsby and Schual-Berke.

Hearing Date: 1/19/06

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Basic Health Plan has a preexisting condition waiting period of nine months. A person without health insurance who has a preexisting condition and applies for coverage through the Basic Health Plan is required to wait the entire period before receiving treatment for the preexisting condition.

Summary of Bill:

Applicants for the Basic Health Plan who do not have health insurance may credit a period of continued participation in a community-based program that provides access to health services for uninsured persons toward the preexisting condition limit. To qualify, the person must continually participate in the community-based program for at least three months before submitting a basic health plan application. Their participation in the community-based program will be credited, month for month, against the preexisting condition limit.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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