Subject of Possible Rule Making: The commissioner will consider rules to implement parts of the recently enacted health insurance reform act, specifically section 26, chapter 79, Laws of 2000, which establishes a prescription benefit.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.20.450, 48.20.460, 48.30.010, 48.44.050, 48.46.200, and section 26, chapter 79, Laws of 2000.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 26, chapter 79, Laws of 2000 requires that certain health benefit plans include "prescription drug benefits with at least a two thousand dollar benefit payable by the carrier annually." This provision is unclear as to the scope of these benefits and method of disclosure to enrollees. Rules are necessary to clarify these areas.

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 any 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 7, 2000

Robert A. Harkins

Chief Deputy Commissioner

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