SB 6067: Health insurance coverage

Summary

• $ Preexisting waiting periods in the individual and small group insurance markets are increased from three to nine months.
• $ Individuals applying for individual health plans will be covered by a private plan, or, if screened out by a health questionnaire, by the Washington health insurance pool.
• $ Consumers moving between comprehensive insurance plans will be given a health questionnaire unless they are moving out of the current plan's service area, following their doctor to a new plan, or moving to a plan with equal or greater benefits.
• $ Individuals may purchase health insurance through the Washington health insurance pool if they live in a county where no comprehensive health insurance is marketed, or they do not qualify for private insurance based on a health questionnaire screen.
• $ Assessments against health carriers to subsidize the cost of health coverage through the Washington health insurance pool will include stop loss insurers and the state Uniform Medical Plan.
• $ The eligibility for the Basic Health Plan is increased from 200 percent of the federal poverty level to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, if funds are appropriated for this purpose.

From the Second Substitute House Bill Report (2SSB 6067), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗