ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 2386

Establishing basic health plan eligibility for certain persons eligible

                         for medicare.

Health Care Committee                          January 30, 2000

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Kastama and McMorris.

BACKGROUND:  If an individual or his or her spouse works for an employer who does not make social security contributions, they are not eligible to receive premium-free medicare part A coverage.

SUMMARY:  An individual who is otherwise eligible for medicare may enroll in the basic health plan as a subsidized enrollee if they:  pay all or a portion of medicare part A premiums in order to receive part A coverage; provide evidence they worked for an employer who did not contribute to social security on behalf of the individual or their spouse; and meet eligibility criteria established by the administrator of the health care authority.