| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
SSB 6765
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: Concerning the Washington state health insurance pool.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette and Keiser).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/08
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP), the state's high risk pool, provides
insurance coverage to those who have been denied enrollment in individual insurance coverage.
Although WSHIP enrollees finance part of their expenses with a premium payment, the program
is largely financed through assessments charged to all commercial health insurance products. In
2006 the carrier assessments totaled $31.7 million, or approximately $1.00 per member per
month on each commercial premium.
The 2007 Legislature directed WSHIP to have a consultant complete an analysis of the eligibility
standards, including the eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly sponsored enrollees. The
WSHIP Board submitted a report to the Legislature that found that approximately 23 percent of
their enrollees (786 members) have their premiums paid by a "publicly funded organization",
including the Evergreen Health Insurance Program, the Northwest Kidney Center, and the
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Approximately 30 members had their
premiums paid by DSHS medical assistance, with total premiums of approximately $291,000 for
2006 and total claims paid of $2.2 million. The WSHIP Board has recommended a change to
their eligibility statutes that would prevent enrollment of those with medical assistance coverage.
Summary of Bill:
Individuals who become eligible for DSHS medical assistance after June 30, 2008 are not
eligible for coverage under the WSHIP.
The Office of Insurance Commissioner is directed to convene a task force to recommend the best
options for equitable, stable, and broad-based funding sources for WSHIP. Participants should
include, at a minimum, representatives from insurance carriers, WSHIP, and the Office of
Financial Management.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.