HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1085

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

         As Reported by House Committee On:       
Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to long-term care insurance plans offered by the public employees' benefits board.

Brief Description: Revising requirements for long-term care insurance plans offered by the public employees' benefits board.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Bailey, Ericks, Dickerson, Cody, Sells, Linville, Blake, Moeller, Flannigan, Green, Miloscia, Pettigrew, Conway, Kagi, Appleton, Ormsby, Schual-Berke, B. Sullivan, Hudgins, Clibborn, Kenney, Wallace and Simpson.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/17/07, 1/22/07 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs the Public Employees Benefit Board to develop a long-term care benefit for covered individuals.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Curtis, Green, Moeller, Pedersen and Seaquist.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Public Employees Benefit Board offers long-term care insurance plans to authorized enrollees. The coverage offered is designed by a technical advisory committee.

Summary of Bill:

The Public Employees Benefit Board is given authority to make available one or more long-term care insurance plans to eligible employees, retired employees, and retired school employees as well as eligible dependents.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (In Support) The Public Employees Benefit Board needs to offer covered workers and retirees access to long-term care insurance policies. Very few covered workers and retirees purchase these policies correctly. Current workers need to assume some financial responsibility for their own long-term care needs.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; and Christine Khemis, Long-Term Care Financial Partners.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.