State Expansions: Washington
At the close of the 2008 legislative session, Washington once again made important progress toward making health care more affordable and accessible.
SB 5261 gives the Insurance Commissioner authority to review premium increases in the individual market. Health insurers will be required to submit premium increases to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for approval before the new rates go into effect. Commissioner Mike Kreidler requested the bill because individual premiums were rising quickly without any oversight. For more information, see the Commissioner’s letter to state lawmakers.
S.B. 6333 calls for the legislature to hire a consultant to model several different comprehensive health reform proposals. The consultant’s report is due to the legislature by December 15, 2008.
HB 2537 and the fiscal year 2009 budget authorize implementation of the Health Insurance Partnership and set aside funding for the program. The Health Insurance Partnership was created during the 2007 legislative session to provide affordable health coverage to small employers. The Health Insurance Partnership will offer a variety of private plans and administer health coverage for small employers, as well as provide premium subsidies for employees with incomes below 200 percent of poverty. The program will begin accepting applications in January 2009, with coverage effective March 2009.
Washington’s successes build on the progress made during the 2007 legislative session, when the state enacted a law to expand health coverage to all children (SB 5093).
Washington Expansion Resources
Washington in the News
For general resources on state expansions, see Other Resources.
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