Washington: Bill Authorizing Creation of State Health Benefits Exchange

Washington Governor, Christine Gregoire has signed a bill (E2SB 2319) authorizing the creation of a state based health insurance exchange. Key provisions include:

• New market rules for plans that are sold both inside and outside the exchange;
• Aprocess to certify qualified health plans authorized to sell coverage in the exchange;
• A system to rate qualified health plans;
• A process for identifying the “essential health benefits” that plans must offer both inside and outside of the exchange; and
• A mandate that the state adopt the federal “Basic Health Option,” barring certain findings of the governor.