WASHINGTON: Health care reform preparations move forward

Despite the legal challenges and vocal opposition on the federal scene, the state of Washington is marching forward with plans to implement the federal health care reform law known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Among the state’s preparations is the recent passage of several bills by the Washington state legislature to make various parts of the ACA a reality, including a bill to set up a state health insurance exchange. These bills make the state eligible to receive federal funding to help implement the ACA, while allowing the state to design its health care system as it sees fit. SB 5445 sets up the basic framework for the health insurance exchange, but many details remain to be sorted out. Vigilant will update its members on further developments (2011 Wash Laws Chap 317).