HOUSE BILL REPORT

HCR 4423

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Brief Description:  Creating the Health Care Insurance Options Working Group.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cody, Campbell, Schual‑Berke, Conway and Kagi.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  1/29/02, 2/7/02 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Creates a Health Care Insurance Options Working Group to examine the health care insurance system and make recommendations.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Schual‑Berke, Vice Chair; Campbell, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Darneille, Edwards, Ruderman and Skinner.

Minority Report:  Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Alexander, Ballasiotes and Benson.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

Health care costs are currently rising at three times the rate of general inflation.  Increasing health care costs impact government health programs, private companies providing insurance coverage for their employees, and individuals attempting to purchase health insurance.

Summary of  Substitute Bill:

A Health Care Insurance Options Working Group is created to examine the health care insurance system in the state of Washington and make recommendations for its improvement.  The working group will prepare a report, including its findings and recommendations, and transmit the report to the Legislature and the Governor no later than January 1, 2004.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The scope of the study is broadened to include publicly, as well as privately, financed health care.  The membership is modified to include a labor representative representing the interests of insurance coverage through Taft-Hartley trusts, and a representative of local health districts and departments.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Testimony For:  There are serious challenges facing both privately and publicly funded health insurance.  This is a good time to explore these problems and develop workable solutions.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Mike Kreidler, Insurance Commissioner; Sarah Weinberg, Stuart Bramhall, and Lori Whittacker, Health Care 2000; James Leppala; and Sam Cullison, Washington State Medical Association.