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Hinkle proposes private
sector-driven health insurance exchange
Comprehensive approach would lead to
more health insurance options for consumers
The top ranking Republican
on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee proposed an amendment to
House Bill 1569 today that would include private sector options,
offer more health insurance choices for consumers, and make the state’s
health care system less reliant on public tax dollars. Rep. Bill
Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, says the measure needs to be changed because it
puts the whole state health care system at risk and does not promise any
affordable options for consumers.
House Bill 1569 would require all individuals, small employers (2 to
50 employees) and associations to purchase their health insurance
through a connector program designed and administered by the state.
Hinkle believes it should be called the “constrictor” instead of
“connector” because folks back home would have fewer options for health
insurance.
“The connector concept has potential, but how it is structured is the
key. The connector being proposed in this bill is untested, too reliant
on state resources, and would limit health insurance options,” said
Hinkle, a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs
and Access. “I am proposing a voluntary, private sector-driven health
insurance exchange. This approach would improve access, cut down on
state costs, and create more portability of health insurance for
consumers.”
Hinkle’s amendment would:
-
Provide reforms in the
small group market that would make health insurance more affordable
by allowing companies to design a benefit plan for small employers
that does not include all currently mandated benefits. This would
also allow more flexibility with regard to rating requirements for
small group plans so that premiums would more accurately reflect the
group’s risk and utilization.
-
Direct the Health Care
Authority to issue a request for proposal to create a private health
insurance exchange to make it easier for consumers to find and
purchase coverage in Washington.
-
Direct the Insurance
Commissioner to contract for a study of health insurance mandates,
rating requirements, and other areas that add to the overall costs
of health insurance. This study would also determine the benefits of
eliminating these mandates and requirements.
-
Provide a business and
occupation tax exemption for small employers that offer health
insurance for their employees.
The connector concept
stems from Massachusetts’s new health care reform. The connector being
proposed in
House Bill 1569 would be administered by the state Health Care
Authority and governed by a public/private board. The board would design
four to five standard benefit packages, with three cost-sharing options
for each package. The Legislature and Insurance Commissioner would set
regulations for plans offered.
Hinkle says the connector concept was a good idea that
unfortunately devolved into a state takeover of the health insurance
market in Washington. He believes it is the foundation for a socialized
– or Canadian government-run – health care system.
“It would be unwise to limit health insurance choices to only four or
five benefit packages – especially when the state is solely responsible
for what they offer. What eventually will happen is all the plans will
look alike, costs will continue to escalate, and people will have fewer
choices,” said Hinkle. “This is why the private sector needs to
be a part of the solution and my amendment offers this.”
Hinkle can be contacted at (360) 786-7808 or
hinkle.bill@leg.wa.gov.
For more information on Hinkle visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Hinkle/
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