Bill > HB1201

This bill aims to fund foundational public health services in Washington state. The key provisions are: 1. Establishing a covered lives assessment, where health carriers, Medicaid managed care organizations, and third-party administrators will pay a pro rata share of a total assessment, ranging from $143 million in fiscal year 2024 to $200 million in fiscal year 2025 and beyond. This assessment will be used to fund foundational public health services. 2. Requiring third-party administrators to register with the insurance commissioner and renew their registration annually, with penalties for non-compliance. 3. Amending existing laws to subject health carriers, Medicaid managed care organizations, and third-party administrators to the same penalties as insurers for failing to pay the assessment. 4. Allocating revenue from the tax on vapor products in the Foundational Public Health Services Account to fund foundational public health services, tobacco and vapor product prevention, and training of public health professionals. The overall goal is to strengthen the public health system in Washington, which has been strained during the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing a dedicated funding source for foundational public health services.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1201&Year=2021&Initiative=false