PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-475-1250 Healthcare for workers with disabilities (HWD) -- Premium payments, is being amended to incorporate the following changes: (1) American Indians/Alaska Natives are exempt from payment of HWD premiums; and (2) HWD premium payment amounts shall not exceed 7.5% of the enrollee's total income.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.510 and 74.09.540, section 1902 (a)(10)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This adoption is necessary to comply with federal requirements regarding premium amounts to ensure continued federal financial participation and to reflect such policy contained in our Medicaid state plan.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: MAA will coordinate this effort with all other agencies, including but not limited to AASA, ESA, HRSA, and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. They will be furnished copies of all materials drafted during the process for their review, input, and comments, and will be invited to participate in meetings regarding the amendment of these rules. Whenever possible, announcements of opportunities to collaborate will be published in the Washington State Register and posted on agency Internet pages.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this proposed WAC amendment. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Stephen Kozak, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1321, e-mail kozaks@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-0910, TDD 1-800-848-5429.
April 25, 2002
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit