HOUSE BILL REPORT
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.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to enrollment of foster parents in the Washington basic health plan.
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 History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/7/07, 2/8/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and Curtis.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
The Basic Health Plan contracts with health plans to offer affordable health care coverage to
Washington 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: The sum of $3.5 million.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect January 1, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Many foster parents do not work outside the home. It is difficult for them to find
affordable healthcare coverage. This bill might encourage more people to sign up to be foster
parents.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Kagi, prime sponsor; and Steve Baxter and Danielle Baxter, Foster Parent Association of Washington.