T 99-3
November 15, 1999
RCW 48.41.180 requires every member (defined at RCW 48.41.030(13)) of the pool to provide a notice of the availability of WSHIP coverage and an application for pool coverage "to any person who receives a rejection of coverage for health insurance or health care service." WAC 284-91-060 states that members that have individual subscribers in a county but do not accept applications for coverage enrolling new subscribers must provide the notice and application to every person in that county who seeks coverage from them. The commissioner interprets this to include written or telephone inquiries to a member by an individual requesting coverage.
The commissioner requests each member to send a description of the method by which it provides these applicants with the required notice and application. The commissioner also requests a copy of any materials that are routinely mailed to such applicants, and an estimate of the number of applications the carrier has mailed out since the September changes in eligibility for the pool. Please provide these materials and any other materials detailing how the carrier is complying with these laws and rules within fifteen days to the commissioner. The materials should be sent to the attention of Lillian Austin, Administrative Assistant, Rates and Contracts Division, Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Please direct any questions to Ms. Austin at (360) 664-2569 or LillianA@oic.wa.gov.