Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 1096
Brief Description: Concerning nonmedicare plans offered through the Washington state health insurance pool.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Cody, Leavitt, Ortiz-Self, Riccelli and Macri.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the December 31, 2022, expiration date for non-Medicare coverage offered through the Washington State Health Insurance Pool.
Hearing Date: 1/20/21
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

The Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP), Washington's high risk pool, provides coverage for:

  • individuals ineligible for Medicare who were enrolled in WSHIP health plans prior to December 31, 2013, and individuals ineligible for Medicare who live in a county where non-catastrophic individual health coverage is unavailable; and
  • individuals eligible for Medicare who do not have access to a reasonable choice of Medicare Advantage plans and provide evidence of rejection for medical reasons, restrictive riders, an up-rated premium, preexisting condition limitations, or lack of access to a comprehensive Medicare supplemental plan.

 
The costs of coverage through the WSHIP is paid through premiums and assessments on health insurers.  The WSHIP has approximately 200 enrollees in individual, non-Medicare coverage, and 1,100 enrollees in Medicare coverage.
 
After December 31, 2022, individual, non-Medicare coverage will no longer be offered through the WSHIP.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for individual, non-Medicare coverage purchased through the WSHIP is eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.