Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1602


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing for the enrollment of foster parents in the Washington Basic Health Plan.

Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Dickerson, Pettigrew, Appleton, Walsh, Roberts, Santos, Ormsby, Hasegawa, McDermott, Schual-Berke, Haigh, Simpson and Darneille.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Limits Basic Health Plan premiums for foster parents with incomes up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to $17 per month.
  • Limits Basic Health Plan premiums for foster parents with incomes over 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to $100 per month.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Basic Health Plan contracts with health plans to offer affordable health care coverage to Washington State residents. Monthly premiums are based on age, income, family size, and the health plan chosen by the enrollee. The higher an enrollee's income, the higher his or her monthly premiums are. The minimum monthly premium for a Basic Health Plan enrollee is $17 per month. The maximum monthly premium for a Basic Health Plan enrollee is approximately $250 per month.

Summary of Bill:

Premiums for foster parents with incomes up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level are set at $17 per month. Premiums for foster parents with incomes over 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level cannot exceed $100 per month. An appropriation of $3.5 million is provided to the Health Care Authority to subsidize the enrollment of up to 1,000 foster parents in the Basic Health Plan.

Appropriation: $3.5 million.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.