- Exchanges: The Washington State Health Benefit Exchange was established in 2011. Implementation efforts have been ongoing. Recently, the Washington State Legislature enacted a bill (H.B. 2319) that creates additional requirements for the exchange, including provisions related to standards for qualified health plans (QHPs), authorization for risk mitigation programs, and actuarial value requirements.
- Essential Health Benefits: The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) issued a preproposal statement of inquiry last week soliciting public comments on rulemaking to designate an EHB benchmark plan. Comments are due July 8.
- Medicaid Expansion: Governor Jay Inslee had already indicated his support for Medicaid expansion before being elected to the office.
- Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Washington currently has 304,778 seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare Advantage, or about 29% of all Medicare beneficiaries.
NEWS OF NOTE
» Gov. Gregoire’s statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act (press release)
» Washington Post – Washington State Provides Case Study on Effects of Health-Care Reform
» Washington State Health Care Authority – Exchange Names CEO
» Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Washington Lawmakers Pass Rules for Insurance Exchange
» Washington State Health Care Authority – HCA Announces Apparently Successful Vendor for Exchange System Design
Follow