FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1544

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.

Background:

Basic Health Plan.

The Health Care Authority (Authority) administers the Basic Health Plan (BHP), which is a health care insurance program that assists enrollees by providing a state subsidy to offset the costs of premiums. Residents of Washington with incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for enrollment in the BHP. In addition, enrollees must not be: (1) eligible for Medicare; (2) institutionalized; or (3) in school on temporary work visas.

Federal Waiver.

Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides health care services to specified categories of low-income individuals pursuant to federal standards. States may request waivers from federal requirements for experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects. The 2010 Supplemental Operating Appropriations Act directed the Authority to seek a waiver from the federal government to support some of the enrollees on the BHP. As of January 2011, the federal government issued the terms and conditions for granting a waiver. Under the terms of the waiver, the federal government will provide matching funds to Washington for adults under age 65 in the BHP whose incomes are at or below 133 percent of the FPL and who are citizens or eligible qualified aliens.

Summary:

Starting in March 2011, individuals who are not eligible for federal support under the Medicaid waiver for the BHP are no longer eligible for the BHP. This restriction does not apply to foster parents.

The Legislature intends to define eligibility for the BHP after the waiver expires based upon recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on Health Reform Implementation.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	2
Senate	45	2	(Senate amended)
House	75	23	(House concurred)