RCW 70.47.250 Federal basic health option—Report to legislature—Certification—Director's findings—Program's guiding principles.

(1) On or before December 1, 2012, the director of the health care authority shall submit a report to the legislature on whether to proceed with implementation of a federal basic health option, under section 1331 of P.L. 111-148 of 2010, as amended. The report shall address whether:

(a) Sufficient funding is available to support the design and development work necessary for the program to provide health coverage to enrollees beginning January 1, 2014;

(b) Anticipated federal funding under section 1331 will be sufficient, absent any additional state funding, to cover the provision of essential health benefits and costs for administering the basic health plan. Enrollee premium levels will be below the levels that would apply to persons with income between one hundred thirty-four and two hundred percent of the federal poverty level through the exchange; and

(c) Health plan payment rates will be sufficient to ensure enrollee access to a robust provider network and health homes, as described under RCW 70.47.100.

(2) If the legislature determines to proceed with implementation of a federal basic health option, the director shall provide the necessary certifications to the secretary of the federal department of health and human services under section 1331 of P.L. 111-148 of 2010, as amended, to proceed with adoption of the federal basic health program option.

(3) Prior to making this finding, the director shall:

(a) Actively consult with the board of the Washington health benefit exchange, the office of the insurance commissioner, consumer advocates, provider organizations, carriers, and other interested organizations;

(b) Consider any available objective analysis specific to Washington state, by an independent nationally recognized consultant that has been actively engaged in analysis and economic modeling of the federal basic health program option for multiple states.

(4) The director shall report any findings and supporting analysis made under this section to the governor and relevant policy and fiscal committees of the legislature.

(5) To the extent funding is available specifically for this purpose in the operating budget, the health care authority shall assume the federal basic health plan option will be implemented in Washington state, and initiate the necessary design and development work. If the legislature determines under subsection (1) of this section not to proceed with implementation, the authority may cease activities related to basic health program implementation.

(6) If implemented, the federal basic health program must be guided by the following principles:

(a) Meeting the minimum state certification standards in section 1331 of the federal patient protection and affordable care act;

(b) To the extent allowed by the federal department of health and human services, twelve-month continuous eligibility for the basic health program, and corresponding twelve-month continuous enrollment in standard health plans by enrollees; or, in lieu of twelve-month continuous eligibility, financing mechanisms that enable enrollees to remain with a plan for the entire plan year;

(c) Achieving an appropriate balance between:

(i) Premiums and cost-sharing minimized to increase the affordability of insurance coverage;

(ii) Standard health plan contracting requirements that minimize plan and provider administrative costs, while incentivizing improvements in quality and enrollee health outcomes; and

(iii) Health plan payment rates and provider payment rates that are sufficient to ensure enrollee access to a robust provider network and health homes, as described under RCW 70.47.100; and

(d) Transparency in program administration, including active and ongoing consultation with basic health program enrollees and interested organizations, and ensuring adequate enrollee notice and appeal rights.

[ 2012 c 87 § 15.]

NOTES:

Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.