BILL REQ. #:  S-0674.1 

Read first time 01/27/2005.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to the basic health plan; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall conduct a study of the basic health plan. Part 1 of the study shall examine the extent to which basic health plan policies and procedures promote or discourage the provision of appropriate, high-quality, cost-effective care to basic health plan enrollees. Issues to be addressed include, but are not limited to, whether: (a) Enrollees are encouraged to engage in wellness activities and receive preventive services; (b) evidence-based treatment strategies are identified and promoted; (c) enrollees are encouraged to use high-quality providers; (d) enrollees with chronic or other high-cost conditions are identified and provided with appropriate interventions; and (e) innovative health care service delivery methods are encouraged. Part 1 of the study report must be completed by December 15, 2005.
     (2) Part 2 of the study must examine the characteristics of individuals enrolled in the basic health plan, and their utilization of health care services, including but not limited to: (a) Enrollee longevity on the basic health plan; (b) circumstances that led to basic health plan enrollment; (c) how enrollees obtained health care prior to basic health plan enrollment; (d) health care coverage of other household members; and (e) service utilization patterns. A part 2 interim report must be completed by December 15, 2005, and the final report completed by July 1, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the joint legislative audit and review committee for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, to carry out the purposes of this act.