Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 2515

Brief Description:  Paying for health care services.

Sponsors:  Representatives Benson, Mulliken, Bush, Ahern, Roach, Morell, McIntire, Upthegrove, Cody and Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Participating health care providers are prohibited from asking a patient to pay more than the copay or deductible set by the health carrier until the carrier notifies the provider and patient in writing that no further payment will be made.

Hearing Date:  2/7/02

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

In some cases, consumers have been asked to pay for services rendered when there is a dispute between a health carrier and a health care provider over carrier payment to the provider.

Summary of Bill:

Participating health care providers are prohibited from asking a patient to pay more than the copay or deductible set by the health carrier until the carrier notifies the provider and patient in writing that no further payment will be made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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