SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6047

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.

As of February 1, 2018

Title: An act relating to ensuring access to affordable health care coverage for children.

Brief Description: Ensuring access to affordable health care coverage for children.

Sponsors: Senators Miloscia, Palumbo and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/18/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Aligns the children's income eligibility standards for the Apple Health for Kids program (Program) with the current federal standards.

  • Removes requirements that funds must be specifically appropriated for the Program.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)

Background: The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides matching funds to states for providing health insurance to families with children. CHIP was established in 1997, and was designed to cover uninsured children in families with incomes that are modest yet too high to qualify for Medicaid.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the income eligibility for CHIP is calculated using modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). In October 2013, the Health Care Authority began implementing the MAGI methodology for the state's Program which expanded the maximum income eligibility for children to 312 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) and to 193 percent of the FPL for pregnant women.

Based on income, the state requires that some families pay a monthly premium for their Program coverage. Under the state's MAGI implementation, families whose income is greater than 210 percent of the FPL are required to pay a monthly premium.

The Legislature requires that program funds for children whose family income is not greater than 300 percent of the FPL be specifically appropriated. Currently, these funds are appropriated annually at maintenance level.

Summary of Bill: Children under age 19, who are Washington state residents, and whose family income is no greater than 312 percent of the FPL are eligible for the Program.

The requirement that funds be specifically appropriated for children whose family income is not greater than 300 percent FPL is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2018

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a bipartisan effort to maintain our commitment to children and families in need.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Mark Miloscia, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.