May 17th marks the 20th anniversary of health care reform in Washington State. On that day in 1993, the Washington State Legislature adopted a comprehensive reform of health insurance markets and health care delivery and finance. Although most of the more “robust” provisions of the state reform law were repealed two years later, Washington retained…
Let me start by noting without doubt that my Irish roots were proven once again in my recent attempt at a short vacation. I do indeed have the “luck of the Irish” that proves my green blood. My wife surprised me with a one week castle tour of Ireland to celebrate both my birthday and…
Whatever your political persuasion on the issue of health care reform (Obama Care…that !#@ law…or…change at last, change at last), nothing seems to breed suspicion and controversy like association health plans which persist in providing insurance plans tailored to membership needs. Senate Bill 5605 would bar the Washington Insurance Commissioner from ruling on the issue…
The United States Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) issued proposed new regulations governing exemptions for religious employers objecting to the provision of contraceptive services under the mandated preventive health services. The primary change would require insurers to offer separate contraceptive coverage as a standalone benefit offered to individuals whose employer meets the newly proposed standard…
Yesterday we found out how the Washington essential health benefits rule was going to be in place soon enough for insurers to draft and file new reformed health plans in time for the Washington Exchange. The Insurance Commissioner (OIC) adopted the latest draft (2012-17102-4) as an emergency rule effective yesterday. There will be no hearing…