10/06/2009
State of Washington mandates—effective Jan. 1, 2010
Washington State legislation passed three main mandates that will impact Regence group benefits. All mandates are effective Jan. 1, 2010, as plans are issued or renewed.
1. Organ Transplant Lifetime Maximum—SB 5725 requires health plans to limit transplants to a separate lifetime maximum of not less than $350,000. The lifetime maximum will increase to $350,000. Covered services received within 90 days of the transplant will apply toward the lifetime maximum.
2. Organ Transplant Waiting Periods—HB 1308 requires health plans to reduce organ transplant waiting periods by the amount of time a person had prior creditable coverage.
3. Chemical Dependency—Each year the minimum benefit for chemical dependency treatment services increases by $500. For 2010, the amount is $15,000 every two calendar years. This change applies only to small groups. We're not making this change to 51+ groups due to the Federal Mental Health Parity Act of 2008, which prohibits carriers from limiting benefits for these services.
As we get closer to member notification, we will provide you with details on how Regence Individual plans will be impacted.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Regence Sales contact.
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