| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Appropriations Committee | |
HB 2126
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.
Brief Description: Limiting rates paid for medical care provided to jail inmates.
Sponsors: Representatives Ross, Morrell, Curtis, Simpson and Eddy.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/1/07
Staff: Bernard Dean (786-7130).
Background:
The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) is required to reimburse the
provider of emergency or necessary health care to jail inmates if the inmate is eligible for the
Department's medical care programs. The financial responsibility for any unpaid balance is
divided equally between medical care providers and local governments unless the provider and
local government have reached a different agreement for sharing the unpaid balance.
Inmates confined in state and local correctional facilities are categorically ineligible for
Medicaid. For those medical care services not provided through the Department, local
governments or medical care providers may obtain reimbursement for care services from jail
inmates, including reimbursement from any insurance program or from other medical benefit
programs available to the confined person.
To the extent that a confined jail inmate is unable to be financially responsible for medical care
and is ineligible for the Department's medical care programs, or for coverage from private
sources, local governments may obtain reimbursement for the cost of such medical services from
the unit of government whose law enforcement officers initiated the charges on which the person
is being held. Such reimbursements by the state are limited to state prisoners who are being held
in jail for escaping from a state facility or for committing an offense in a state facility.
Summary of Bill:
If a person confined in a city or county jail is unable to be financially responsible for medical
care and is ineligible for the Department of Social and Health Services medical care programs,
the cost of any medical care provided by a health care provider will not exceed 160 percent of
Medicaid rates for such services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 26, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.