Tag Archives: Senate Bill 6016

Rivers returns to legislative committee on transportation, adds health-care policy committee

When the 2015 legislative session convenes in January, Sen. Ann Rivers’ list of Senate-committee assignments will climb to four: Early Learning and K-12 Education, Rules, Health Care and Transportation.

“I’m so honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with such important committee assignments,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “This will put me front and center on the biggest issues facing Washington residents and my neighbors.

“Southwest Washington’s transportation needs are even more significant now than they were when I served on the transportation committee in the House of Representatives. I asked to be appointed to the Senate Transportation Committee to make sure there is a constructive voice speaking for Clark County,” said Rivers.

Serving on the Senate Health Care Committee also will be a new experience for Rivers, although she is already accomplished at working on health-care issues as a lawmaker.

“Last session my grace-period bill, Senate Bill 6016, was seen as key legislation by physicians around Washington. The passage of the Affordable Care Act and development of the health-care exchange in our state has presented lawmakers with a unique set of challenges. I want to make sure that the real people who are affected by these sweeping reforms are taken care of. Being a member of this committee will put me in the perfect place to do just that,” said Rivers.

Rivers has been a member of the Early Leaning and K-12 Education and Rules Committees for two years, and will retain those assignments.

The upcoming legislative session will begin Jan. 12 and is scheduled to last 105 days.

Washington first state to require grace period notification for patients under Health Care Exchange

Washington became the first state to pass legislation requiring health insurers provide “grace period” notification after the governor confirmed his approval of Sen. Ann Rivers’ bill at the official bill signing Thursday.

Rivers’ work to correct an inefficiency caused by the Affordable Care Act and Health Care Exchange resulted in Senate Bill 6016. The bill requires that health insurers notify patients and health care providers when a patient has entered the 90-day “grace period,” which is offered to patients who are insured by a qualified health plan through the Exchange but have failed to pay their premium.

Additionally, even though a patient within the grace period is still eligible to receive care, the bill requires that the patient receives notice about alternatives for coverage so that they aren’t stuck with unpaid medical bills since the insurance company is only responsible for payment during the first 30 days of the grace period.

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Banner day for Rivers, three bills headed to the governor

With just over a week remaining in the 2014 regular session, Sen. Ann Rivers has three bills headed to the governor, thanks to the near-unanimous approval by the House of Representatives Wednesday.

The three measures couldn’t be more different, spanning from health care to consumer privacy to victim protection, but according to Rivers, the effects of the new legislation will serve the people of the state well.

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Legislation Update

I have several bills still alive and well in the legislative process. I’ll continue to keep you updated about them but in the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.

Senate Bill 5887 – this measure would reconcile the medical and recreational marijuana markets. It’s a bill that I’ve been working on since last year to help put proper parameters and protections in place while still maintaining a patient-first focus. Because it has a monetary component to it, it can be brought to a vote at any time during session.
Status: Awaiting approval by the Senate Budget Committee.

Senate Bill 6007 – a bill developed by public utility districts from around the state, would protect customers’ information – both electronic contact information and usage information.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Local Government; currently waiting for final approval by the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 6016 – the intent of this bill is to implement grace periods for the state health benefit exchange in a way that protects our state’s patients, health insurers and health care providers.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness; currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives.

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