2341-S AMS PFLU JONA 004

SHB 2341 - S AMD 545

By Senator Pflug

ADOPTED 4/25/2009

    On page 8, line 33, after "requirements.", insert:

    "(g) To collect from all public employees a voluntary opt in donation of varying amounts through a monthly or one-time payroll deduction as provided for in RCW 41.04.230. The donation must be deposited in the health services account established in RCW 43.72.900 to be used for the sole purpose of maintaining enrollment capacity in the basic health plan.

    The administrator shall send an annual notice to state employees extending the opportunity to participate in the opt-in donation program for the purpose of saving enrollment slots for the basic health plan. The first such notice shall be sent to public employees no later than June 1, 2009.

The notice shall include monthly sponsorship levels of fifteen dollars per month, thirty dollars per month, fifty dollars per month and any other amounts deemed reasonable by the administrator. The sponsorship levels shall be named “Safety Net Contributor,” “Safety Net Hero,” and “Safety Net Champion” respectively. The donation amounts provided shall be tied to the level of coverage the employee will be purchasing for a working poor individual without access to health care coverage. 

    The administrator shall ensure that employees are given an opportunity to establish a monthly standard deduction or a one-time deduction towards the basic health plan donation program. The basic health plan donation program shall be known as the “Save the Safety Net Program.”

    The donation permitted under this subsection may not be collected from any public employee who does not actively opt in to the donation program. Written notification of intent to discontinue participation in the donation program must be provided by the public employee at least fourteen days prior to the next standard deduction.

    On page 17, after line 34, insert:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8.  Section 3 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

SHB 2341 - S AMD 545

By Senator Pflug

    On page 1, line 2 of the title, after “budget;” strike “and”

    On page 1, line 4 of the title, after “70.47.170” insert “;and declaring an emergency”

EFFECT:   Creates a voluntary opt in donation program for public employees to help offset enrollment cuts in the basic health plan. Adds an emergency clause

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