WSHA, as part of the Washington Healthcare Forum, expressed concerns in a letter about a recent proposal from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to issue new rules on the practice of goldcarding. Goldcarding, which allows for an expedited prior authorization process, reduces administrative costs for hospitals and plans, and reduces hassles and wait times for patients. WSHA and other members of the forum are concerned rulemaking could create a restrictive regulatory framework that would discourage the development of such innovative arrangements.
Members of the forum include WSHA, WSMA, major local health plans and other organizations. All submitted comments are available on the OIC website. (Andrew Busz)