PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Basic Health Plan)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revise WAC 182-25-020 to remove references to specific benefits and to reflect changes in the waiting period for coverage of preexisting conditions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.47.050.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The waiting period for treatment of a preexisting condition needs to be changed to nine months, rather than three, to reflect contract agreements with managed health care systems.
Mental health, chemical dependency, and organ transplant benefits are not required benefits. Amending this rule will allow the flexibility to change them if necessary. Members will continue to be informed of benefits through the certificate of coverage and other member materials.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other federal or state agencies regulate this subject.
Process for Developing New Rule: Stakeholder mailings and public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rosanne Reynolds, Basic Health, P.O. Box 42683, Olympia, WA 98504-2683, phone (360) 923-2948, fax (360) 412-4276.
August 1, 2000
Melodie Bankers
Rules Coordinator