FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1633

C 196 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Making technical corrections to provisions concerning the individual health insurance market.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Campbell and Cody; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

Background:

The Legislature made several changes to the statutes governing the individual health insurance market during the 2000 legislative session.  The changes were designed to address issues raised by private health carriers who had earlier withdrawn from the individual market.  The legislation required individuals applying for individual health insurance to complete a standard health questionnaire, which health carriers use to determine if they will cover the applicant or refer them instead to the Washington State Health Insurance Pool.

Summary:

Portability language relating to preexisting condition waiting periods is clarified to be consistent with federal requirements under the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996.  Annual filings by health carriers offering individual health benefit plans are clarified as to the information transmitted to the Insurance Commissioner and the review period during which the commissioner may contest the contents of the filing.

Votes on Final Passage:

House910

Senate470(Senate amended)

House940(House concurred)

Effective:  May 7, 2001