Declares an intent to set minimum labor standards for some large employers in Washington state with respect to health benefit expenditures, and to further the state's interest in ensuring that its residents have access to appropriate health care services. Ensuring that employers do not eliminate employer-paid health care is important for minimizing the burden on taxpayers and the public health system, and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the residents of Washington state.

Declares it is not the intent of the legislature to influence the establishment, content, or administration of employee benefit plans. The legislature is neutral as to whether employers covered under this chapter choose to meet the minimum expenditure standard by providing or reimbursing the costs of health care services for their employees or paying to the state the difference between the minimum expenditure and their actual expenditures.