Bill allowing oversight of individual health care plans clears the Senate

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate passed a bill today giving the Office of the Insurance Commissioner the authority to review the rates of individual health benefit plans.

Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, sponsored Senate Bill 5261 along with four other senators.

“Health care rates are soaring in Washington. This bill gives the insurance commissioner the legal authority to find out why and see if the rates are fair and justified,” Keiser said. ‘This is a victory for hard working Washington families who are being buried in mounting health care costs. This bill is about accountability and fairness.”

In 2000, the Washington Legislature barred the insurance commissioner from

overseeing the individual insurance market. Last year, the insurance commissioner introduced legislation to regulate the individual health insurance policy market. The bill passed the Senate but did not pass the House and is under consideration again.

Following the 2007 session, Regence and Premera raised premiums by 20% or more.

Since 2002, reserves for the largest three health care insurance companies have grown from $833 million to $2.2 billion.

Senate Bill 5261 passed the Senate by a vote of 31-18.

Return to Sen. Keiser's home page