WSR 05-07-158

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY


(Public Employees Benefits Board)

[ Order 05-01 -- Filed March 23, 2005, 11:26 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amendments will be considered to rules related to administrative appeals for Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB)-sponsored benefits . Amendments under consideration will be limited to matters affecting the Health Care Authority's (HCA's) administration of eligibility for (PEBB)-sponsored benefits and will not include the appeals process for actions taken by HCA contracted health plans governed by Title 48 RCW or the Patient Bill of Rights. HCA will also consider amendments to retiree and dependent eligibility and adopt or amend procedures related to continuation coverage and plan changes.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.160.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: WAC 182-16-040 and 182-16-050 are out of date and require amending. HCA is considering amendments or adoption of new rules related to retiree eligibility to effectuate changes to the federal Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). HCA will review rules in Title 182 WAC to clarify procedures related to continuation coverage and plan changes. Other amendments may also be considered, except that HCA will not amend employee eligibility in WAC 182-12-115 under this preproposal statement.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Stakeholder mailing and public rule-making hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barbara Scott, Health Care Authority, 676 Woodland Square Loop S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-2642, phone (360) 923-2642, fax (360) 923-2602.

March 23, 2005

Cyndi Presnell

Rules Coordinator

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