FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2128

PARTIAL VETO

C 463 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning health care coverage for children.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Seaquist and Simpson).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to provide affordable health coverage for all children living in Washington whose family income is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level (in 2008, $53,000 for a family of four). If the Legislature appropriates sufficient funds, the financial eligibility for the program will increase to 300 percent of the federal poverty level (in 2008, $63,600 for a family of four). For children living in families with household income above 300 percent of the federal poverty level, the DSHS is required to offer nonsubsidized health coverage for children beginning on January 1, 2009. The DSHS is also required to offer nonsubsidized health care coverage through the same children's health programs available to children living in families with household incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

Summary:

The DSHS is required to:

• modify outreach, application, and renewal procedures to increase enrollment and enrollment rates, and renewals and renewal rates;

• use an eligibility card that identifies a child as a participant in the Apple Health for Kids Program;

• develop performance measures that show children in the Apple Health for Kids Program are receiving health care from a medical home and whether the overall health of enrolled children is improving; and

• appoint an Apple Health executive to oversee the Apple Health for Kids program.

After January 1, 2010, the DSHS will offer families whose household income exceeds 300 percent of the federal poverty level the ability to purchase health insurance for their children without an explicit premium subsidy from the state. The benefit design of the health insurance will be different from the package available to children living in families with household incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

Votes on Final Passage:

Partial Veto Summary: The Governor vetoed the requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services identify a staff position as the single point of contact and coordination for the Apple Health for Kids program.