OIC Releases Proposed Rule for Short-Term Medical Plans

In response to recent federal action concerning short-term medical plans, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is updating rules and clarifying its process and standards for short-term limited durations plans in Washington state. Comments on the proposed rule are due September 24, with a public hearing on September 26. WSHA is concerned that if insufficiently regulated, short term plans could undermine and destabilize the traditional insurance marketplaces. WSHA plans to submit comments and supports provisions that require plans to provide robust coverage, contain limited renewability, and require strong enrollee notification requirements. More information is available on the OIC website. (Andrew Busz, andrewb@wsha.org).