1947-S.E AMS ERIC NEED 030

ESHB 1947 - S AMD TO S-2990.3 385

By Senator Ericksen

NOT ADOPTED 06/28/2013

    On page 4, line 24, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 43.71. RCW to read as follows:

    (1) By July 1, 2014, the exchange shall, in collaboration with the office of the insurance commissioner, apply to the secretary of the United States department of health and human services for a waiver to authorize Washington state to explore the opportunity of offering multiple private health benefit exchanges in Washington state by January 1, 2016.

    (2) The exchange, in collaboration with the office of the insurance commissioner, must hire a neutral consultant to conduct analyses and make preparations for the transition from a single health benefit exchange to multiple private health benefit exchanges.  Research must include, but is not limited to:

    (a) Seeking clarity on how advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies would be accessed through multiple organizations;

    (b) Conducting a cost-benefit analysis and assessment of the impacts on consumers and the insurance market; and

    (c) Suggested statutory changes required in order to implement the new private health benefit exchanges.

    (3) The current exchange may continue to operate after implementation of the private health benefit exchanges.  However, the current exchange shall receive no special treatment or aid that would create an unlevel playing field or advantage over the private health benefit exchanges."

    Renumber the remaining sections and correct internal references.

EFFECT: By July 1, 2014, the Health Benefit Exchange must submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to authorize Washington to explore the opportunity of offering multiple private health benefit exchanges in the state by January 1, 2016. 

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