Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Appropriations Committee

HB 2436

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: Creating the public employees' benefits board benefits account.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter and Freeman; by request of Health Care Authority.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates the non-appropriated Public Employees’ Benefits’ Board (PEBB) Benefits Account.

  • Permits the Health Care Authority to contract for benefits or services directly using funds from the Benefits Account.

Hearing Date: 1/23/14

Staff: David Pringle (786-7310).

Background:

The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers benefits plans, forms benefits contracts, develops participation rules, and through the Public Employees' Benefit Board (PEBB) approves schedules of rates and premiums for active employee and retired participants. The members of the PEBB vote to approve contracts and benefits for the PEBB program.

The HCA uses the Public Employees' and Retirees' Insurance Account, a non-appropriated fund with uses restricted to the payment of premiums for employee and retiree insurance benefit contracts.

Summary of Bill:

The non-appropriated Public Employees’ Benefits’ Board (PEBB) Benefits Account is created, permitting the Health Care Authority to directly contract for benefits or services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2014.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.