SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1096
As of March 10, 2021
Title: An act relating to nonmedicare plans offered through the Washington state health insurance pool.
Brief Description: Concerning nonmedicare plans offered through the Washington state health insurance pool.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Cody, Leavitt, Ortiz-Self, Riccelli and Macri.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/24/21, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 3/10/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the December 31, 2022, expiration date for non-Medicare coverage offered through the Washington State Health Insurance Pool.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
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 WSHIP is paid through premiums and assessments on health insurers.  WSHIP has approximately 200 enrollees in individual, non-Medicare coverage, and 1100 enrollees in Medicare coverage.  After December 31, 2022, individual, non-Medicare coverage will no longer be offered through WSHIP.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for individual, non-Medicare coverage purchased through WSHIP is eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  Removing the expiration date for non-Medicare coverage provided through WSHIP will ensure continued coverage for medically fragile enrollees and preserve an important safety net.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joe Schmick, Prime Sponsor; Sydney Zvara, Washington State Health Insurance Pool; Chris Bandoli, Association of Washington Healthcare Plans.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.