(1) The Washington health benefit exchange, in partnership with the health care authority, administers public purchasing of the Washington state public option plans known as Cascade Care Select.

(2) Each hospital should consider all valid offers from public option plans to ensure compliance with this chapter and to avoid sanctions by failing to contract with at least one public option plan.

(3) In accordance with RCW 41.05.405, beginning in plan year 2023, a hospital that receives payments through a medical assistance program under chapter 74.09 RCW, or a public employees benefits board (PEBB) or a school employees benefits board (SEBB) program under chapter 41.05 RCW must contract with at least one carrier offering public option plans to provide in-network coverage to enrollees, if the hospital received a valid offer to contract with a carrier offering public option plans to provide in-network services.