Bill > HB1639

This bill requires entities offering Medicare Advantage coverage in Washington state to provide specific transparency disclosures to current and potential enrollees. Specifically, these entities must disclose three key pieces of information: (1) their claims denial rate as a percentage, (2) the percentage of denied claims that are successfully appealed, and (3) the process for enrollees to appeal coverage denials. These disclosures must be made both before an individual enrolls in the Medicare Advantage plan and upon request after enrollment. The legislature has also explicitly stated that violations of these disclosure requirements are considered unfair or deceptive practices under the state's consumer protection act, which means potential legal consequences for non-compliant Medicare Advantage providers. The bill creates a new chapter in Title 19 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which typically deals with business regulations, and aims to provide consumers with more information to help them make informed decisions about their health insurance coverage.