Brief Description: Determining community rates for health benefit plans.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Hinkle, Curtis, B. Sullivan, Cody, Moeller, P. Sullivan, Kenney, Kilmer and Jarrett.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Many part-time workers lack health insurance. Workers who work for multiple employers have difficulty obtaining employer sponsored health insurance coverage. Employers of part-time employees are not required to provide health insurance coverage.

Summary of Bill:

Health benefit plans may be offered to individuals who are part of a purchasing pool consisting of 500 people in the same industry. The plans will allow contributions from more than one employer and will have premiums calculated using an adjusted community rating method spreading financial risk across the entire purchasing pool the individual belongs to.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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