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Funds to implement HSAs left out of state budget
Condotta's
legislation allows state employees access to Health Savings Accounts
Funding that would have
helped control rising health care costs for families was left out of the
state’s supplemental operating budget signed last week by the governor.
The money to upgrade the computer system needed to implement Health
Savings Accounts (HSA) was not included in the Health Care Authority
(HCA) budget.
Rep. Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee, said he was puzzled by the governor’s
decision to instead fund computer projects that might never be used – at
the cost of $7.5 million. Funding was included in the budget for
computer systems needed to implement a paid leave program for new
parents and a tax credit program. Neither of the programs have policies
in place, nor the funding to fully implement them.
Condotta who prime sponsored House Bill 1383 in 2005 requiring the
Health Care Authority to develop a health savings account and a high
deductible health plan option for eligible state employees and their
dependents, called the decision short-sighted.
“Delaying the implementation of this important health care option will
cost the state and Washington families more money in the long-run,” said
Condotta. “Shortly after this bill was signed into law, I was told that
the HCA would not be able to have this health plan option available
until 2009 due to a computer system issue. Now it is being pushed back
even farther, jeopardizing the program and adding unnecessary costs.”
The law creating an HSA option took effect in June 2006, yet nothing has
been done to implement it. Condotta is outraged and said he believes the
public expects that when a bill is signed into law, it should mean
something.
Condotta cited a study that showed a savings of $3 million per year if
only 2 percent of state employees enrolled in an HSA/HDHP and $20
million per year if 10 percent enrolled.
“Health Savings Accounts have proven successful in lowering health care
costs,” said Condotta.
“I’m concerned that the governor chose not to invest in a computer
system for a proven program that is already in the process of being
implemented, yet she approved funding two new computer systems for
programs that may never even be funded or used.
“It just doesn’t make sense for Washington families who are just trying
to get the most affordable health care possible,” said Condotta.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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