Subject of Possible Rule Making: Implementation and enforcement of E2SSB 6067, which modifies rate approval, guaranteed issue, guaranteed renewability, portability, adjudication, and preexisting condition limitation provisions, and establishes new procedures of the Washington State Health Insurance Pool.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.20.450, 78.20.460, 48.30.010, 48.44.020, 48.44.022, 48.44.023, 48.44.050, 48.44.080, 48.46.030, 48.46.064, 48.46.066, 48.46.200, 48.46.243, 48.92.140.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Emergency rules were adopted on this subject (R 2000-01) were adopted to amend numerous WAC sections that would have been in conflict with E2SSB 6067. This rule-making is to adopt permanent rules to reconcile the WAC with the new state laws. Additional "clean-up" opportunities to amend, adopt, or repeal these WAC sections in accordance with the commissioner's regulatory improvement program may also be available.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by sending and comments regarding this rule to Kacy Brandeberry, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, e-mail Kacyb@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-2782, by July 20, 2000.

June 6, 2000

Robert A. Harkins

Chief Deputy Commissioner

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