Brief Description: Offering a tricare supplemental insurance policy to certain public employees.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Franklin, Brandland, Kastama, Johnson, Kohl-Welles and Kline.

Hearing Date: 3/22/05

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

TRICARE is the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD) worldwide health care program for uniformed service members and their families. The Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) provides health coverage for state and other public employees.

TRICARE coverage is available to service members upon their retirement, even if they subsequently become employed. Reportedly, however, many of those who are subsequently employed by the state or other public employers choose PEBB coverage instead.

Current law does not allow PEBB to offer other than a comprehensive health benefit plan. It is suggested that if PEBB were allowed to offer a TRICARE supplement, retired military personnel employed by the state would retain their DOD-funded TRICARE coverage, leaving the state to pay only for the less costly supplemental benefits.

Summary of Bill:

The Health Care Authority may make available a TRICARE supplemental insurance policy to employees who are eligible.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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