Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 284-51 WAC, Standards for coordination of benefits (COB).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.21.200, 48.44.050, and 48.46.200.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Harmonization of Washington's COB standards with the recently amended NAIC coordination of benefits model regulation to be more consistent with standards generally implemented in other states. Greater consistency in standards should lessen the administrative burden for carriers coordinating benefits on coverage issued in Washington with coverage issued in other states.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Send written comments by February 4, 2006.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, fax (360) 586-3109, e-mail KacyS@oic.wa.gov.

December 21, 2005

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner