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Agencies update rulemaking timelines; OIC outlines SHIBA role in supplemental policy counseling
Summary
DSHS, HCA and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner briefed the commission on multiple rulemaking tracks: DSHS published rules for definitions, eligibility, pilot parameters and payments; HCA expects billing rules effective by March; OIC filed CR102 and plans a Jan. 6 public hearing related to ESSB 5291 and supplemental long‑term care insurance counseling (SHIBA).
DSHS reported it is conducting four rulemaking projects supporting WA Cares: standard terms and definitions (including approved services), eligibility and verification rules, a pilot rule set that recently went into effect, and additional pilot clarifications about beneficiary reimbursement. Andrea Miva Sanchez said rules about eligibility criteria (including the 90‑day verification and approved activities of daily living) went into effect on Sept. 22 and that pilot rules describe location, parameters and participant numbers.
Taylor Linke of the Health Care Authority said HCA's rule set focuses on payments to providers and billing guidance; HCA will maintain Medicaid as payer of last resort and expects to publish billing guides and hold a public hearing in January, with rules effective in March ahead of the July statewide implementation.
Tyler Langford and Tim (SHIBA team) from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner discussed the SHIBA program's statutory charge to help consumers navigate supplemental long‑term care insurance markets under ESSB 5291 (filed rule CR102 Nov. 19). SHIBA will produce a consumer guide, recruit/train volunteer counselors, and coordinate with area agencies on aging; the OIC plans a Jan. 6 public hearing for its CR102 filing and expects to stand up a workgroup and hire one FTE to support the project.
Agency leads indicated rulemaking timelines are near the pilot and statewide launch, and said they will continue outreach and hearings per statutory timelines.
