FINAL BILL REPORT

HCR 4443

BYRepresentatives Braddock, Morris, Jones, Vekich, Rector, Baugher, Ballard, Spanel, Wood, Wineberry, Fuhrman, Pruitt, Walker, Rasmussen, Tate, Rayburn, Youngsman, Bennett, Moyer, R. Fisher, Wolfe, Jesernig, Holland, Cole, Brumsickle, Dorn, Smith, Forner, McLean, Jacobsen, D. Sommers, Nealey, May, Phillips, S. Wilson and Anderson

Creating a commission on health care cost control.

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

Despite numerous attempts in recent years to address the lack of access to health services and rising health service costs, at both the state and national levels, problems still exist.  It is estimated that in Washington state 17 percent of the population, or about 785,000 persons, are without health service coverage.  This estimate has increased by 50,000 in the last three years.  Of that group 57 percent are low-income persons, 53 percent are employed, and 37 percent are children.

Costs of health services continue to rise at a rate well above inflation. Nationally, $660 billion is spent annually on health services.  This figure is projected to reach $1.65 trillion by the turn of the century.  Presently, over $8 billion is spent annually for health services in Washington state.  If national trends are followed, this figure will reach $22 billion by the year 2000.

Problems of access and cost are likely to have a detrimental effect on state and national economies, particularly regarding the ability to compete in international markets.  Small businesses are experiencing annual cost increases of over 30 percent for their employees' coverage.

SUMMARY:

The problems of health access, quality of care, and rising costs are addressed through the creation of the Commission on Health Care Cost Control and Access. The commission is composed of 17 members: three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House, three members of Senate appointed by the president of the Senate, and 12 members appointed by the governor to represent business, labor, health providers, senior citizens, health care service contractors, state government, and the public-at-large.  The governor is to appoint the chair from among the commission members.

The commission is authorized to hire staff and use staff on loan from state agencies and the Legislature. The commission may appoint technical advisory committees and reimburse committee members for travel expenses.  The commission members shall receive no compensation for their service, but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses.  The commission is to have access to all the health data available to the secretary of health.

By December 1, 1990, the commission is to identify ways to use state health care purchases to reduce costs and is to report its findings to the Legislature and the governor.

By December 1, 1991, the commission is to report to the Legislature and the governor on ways to control health care costs, identify effective health services, recommend changes in the medical malpractice and liability insurance system to reduce costs, and recommend plans to ensure health care is available to all the people.

The commission will terminate on December 1, 1992.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

First Special Session

      House 77   0!np