HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1490
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 a consumer-directed medicaid coverage plan.
Brief Description: Requiring the department of social and health services to submit a consumer-directed medicaid coverage plan.
Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Cody, Moeller, Linville, Wood and Dunn.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/12/07, 2/14/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Curtis, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 allows states to redesign their Medicaid programs,
creating more flexibility in benefit and cost-sharing designs and giving enrollees more
opportunity to decide how they use their health-care benefits. One of these changes permits
states to deliver health benefits through a health opportunity account in conjunction with a
high deductible health plan. These accounts - similar to the medical savings accounts used in
private insurance coverage - may encourage Medicaid enrollees to assume greater
responsibility for their own health care. Medicaid clients enrolled in this program will be
able to make decisions about their own health care by choosing how to spend the money in
their account. If they exhaust the account, their coverage reverts to regular Medicaid. But
enrollees will have an incentive to keep an unspent portion in the account - because they can
use that money for training, tuition or private insurance premiums when they are no longer on
Medicaid. Overall, the accounts are aimed at helping clients make more appropriate and
cost-efficient decisions on health care.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Social and Health Services is required to submit a Medicaid state plan
amendment to operate a demonstration program to test delivering Medicaid services through
a health opportunity account. The program will be limited to individuals eligible to receive
transitional medical assistance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.