H-4860              _______________________________________________

                                          SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1620

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Padden, Dellwo, Taylor, Day, Lux, Chandler, Crane, Miller and Winsley)

Read first time 2/5/88.

AN ACT Relating to group health insurance; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The insurance commissioner shall study continuation of coverage for persons whose group health coverage is terminated through nonrenewal or cancellation of the group health contract or policy and shall recommend any legislation necessary to protect the rights of such persons.  In conducting the study, the commissioner shall consult with the senate financial institutions committee; the house of representatives financial institutions and insurance committee; representatives of health insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations; and with persons representing the interests of consumers whose group health coverage is canceled or nonrenewed.  The commissioner shall prepare a report of his or her findings and recommendations no later than December 31, 1988, and shall deliver a copy of the report to the chairperson of the senate financial institutions committee and to the chairperson of the house of representatives financial institutions and insurance committee.