Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 6487
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: Repealing the expiration of the fair payment for chiropractic services requirement.
Sponsors: Senators Franklin, Pridemore, Keiser, Carrell, Pflug, Schoesler, Delvin and Kline.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/10
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
By law, health carriers, including disability insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations, must permit every category of provider to provide services for conditions covered by the plan. They must also offer health benefit plan enrollees an adequate choice among health care providers.
Neither state law nor Insurance Commissioner rules regulate the payment methodologies used by health carriers to reimburse for health care services. Since January 1, 2009, however, health carriers, including the Health Care Authority's public employee health insurance plans, have been prohibited from paying less to a chiropractor than they pay to another type of provider for services provided under the same code, unless certain exemptions are met. This prohibition expires on June 30, 2013.
Summary of Bill:
The provision that prohibits health carriers from paying chiropractors less than other providers for services provided under the same codes is made permanent by repealing the expiration date.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.