Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1303
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: Concerning the insurance commissioner's authority to review and disapprove rates for certain insurance products.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Kelley, Van De Wege, Liias and Reykdal; by request of Insurance Commissioner.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/11
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) has the authority to regulate health insurance companies in Washington. As part of this authority, the OIC has the authority to review insurance rates in both the individual and small group markets. Insurers are required to file their individual and group rates with the OIC. The OIC may disapprove the rates if they are unreasonable in relation to the benefits in the agreement. The OIC also reviews individual and small group market insurers for compliance with statutory requirements such as adjusted community rating and medical loss ratios (for purposes of determining remittances to the Washington State Health Insurance Pool).
The OIC's authority to review individual market rates expires on January 1, 2012.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date on the OIC's authority to review individual market rates is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/20/11.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.