HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6121

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to the continuation of the diabetes cost reduction act.

Brief Description:  Continuing the diabetes cost reduction act.

Sponsors:  Senators Wojahn, Deccio, Thibaudeau, Winsley, Fairley, Rasmussen, Patterson and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/25/00 [DP].

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$Removes the sunset termination date for the Diabetes Cost Reduction Act.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives Cody, Democratic Co-Chair; Parlette, Republican Co-Chair; Pflug, Republican Vice Chair; Schual-Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Alexander; Campbell; Conway; Edmonds; Edwards; Mulliken; Pennington and Ruderman.

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Diabetes Cost Reduction Act was passed in 1997, and became effective January 1, 1998.  It requires state purchased health care, and health carriers licensed by the state who provide health insurance coverage which includes pharmacy benefits, to provide  specified coverage for diabetic persons.  These provisions do not apply to the Basic Health Plan, or to the plans identical to the Basic Health Plan which insurers are required to offer.

The act was subject to sunset review and will terminate on June 30, 2001.

Summary of Bill:

The termination of the Diabetes Cost Reduction Act is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The diabetes cost reduction act ensures cost effective treatment for diabetics and should be continued.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor.