We're here to protect insurance consumers
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

2012 Legislature - Washington's Health Benefit Exchange

The Legislature authorized the creation of a health benefit exchange last year. It also set up a governing board and designated the Health Care Authority as the agency charged with creating the new exchange.

This year, we're requesting joint legislation (HB 2319/SB 6178) with Gov. Chris Gregoire to create a healthy and stable marketplace within the new exchange.

What the bill does

  1. Confirms our authority to regulate rates and benefits of all plans operating inside and outside the exchange.
  2. Creates three rules health plans must follow within the exchange:
    • All health plans selling in the individual and small group markets must participate in the exchange.
    • All bronze and catastrophic level plans offered outside of the exchange also must be offered inside the exchange.
    • New catastrophic plans defined by the Affordable Care Act are only available within the exchange.
  3. Closes the state’s High Risk Pool (WSHIP) to new enrollment after 2013, and prohibits it from charging more than the standard rate in the individual market.
  4. Any changes to exchange plan qualifications must be agreed to by both the Exchange Board and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Benefits

  • Preserves a robust, stable health insurance marketplace both inside and outside the new exchange.
  • Prevents adverse selection within the exchange and spreads the risks across the entire marketplace.
  • Creates an even playing field for all health plans.
  • Encourages insurers to compete on cost, quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Allows people to compare like plans based on costs and customer satisfaction.

 

Our complete 2012 legislative agenda

 




Updated 01/23/2012

Tell a friend |