Bill > SB5243

This bill aims to restrict health insurance companies from using policyholder premiums for political lobbying and campaign contributions in Washington state. The legislation was motivated by observations during the COVID-19 pandemic that some health insurance companies earned significant profits while continuing to lobby for premium rate increases instead of providing benefits to policyholders. Specifically, the bill prohibits health insurance companies from using premium funds to make contributions to political candidates or committees, with a narrow exception allowing contributions from funds voluntarily and expressly contributed by policyholders for political purposes. If a health insurance company violates these restrictions, they would be subject to significant financial penalties, including fines between $25,000 and $500,000 per violation and potential liability to policyholders for double the amount of any unlawful political contribution. The bill defines key terms such as "health insurance company" (using the existing legal definition of "health carrier") and "policyholder," and establishes that the commission will enforce these provisions. The legislation is formally titled the "health care dollars for health care act" and is intended to ensure that premium dollars are used for healthcare services rather than political activities.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5243&Year=2025&Initiative=false