HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1086


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 Passed House:
January 29, 2007

Title: An act relating to long-term care insurance.

Brief Description: Revising requirements for long-term care insurance.

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

Brief History:

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

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 1/29/07, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Brings the Long-Term Care Partnership statute in compliance with the national Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act.


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 Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, P.L. 109-171, authorizes states who adopt the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Model Long-Term Care Act and model long-term care regulation to participate in the Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program.


Summary of Bill:

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is authorized to adopt the provisions of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Model Long-Term Care Act and model long-term care regulation. The definition of "preexisting condition" is modified to bring it into compliance with the federal standard established in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.


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) Congressional action to expand the availability of the Long-Term Care Partnership Program will make these policies more attractive for people to purchase and will reduce the cost of long-term care that must be paid by the Medicaid program.

(Opposed) None.

(Neutral) The Long-Term Care Partnership Program is not a silver bullet that will solve the financing challenges posed by the large number of baby boomers who will start retiring in the next few years.

Persons Testifying: (In Support) Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Christine Khemis, Long-Term Care Financial Partners; and Mel Sorenson, American Council of Life Insurers, America's Health Insurance Plans, Washington Association of Hospital Underwriters.

(Neutral) Nora Kelley, Service Employees International Union 775.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.