Following workshops, Enterprise Services drafts proposed updates to local government self-insurance health and welfare program rules

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services soon will be proposing changes to update and clarify rules for local government self-insurance health and welfare programs.

Enterprise Services held workshops on May 16 and 18 to seek input on the draft rules, and would like to thank all of the participants in the workshops.

The outcome of the work sessions is draft rules. The draft rules are now available in advance of our intent to formally file proposed rules on June 21 with the Office of the Code Reviser.

Once submitted, there will be a formal public comment period on the proposed rules, including a public hearing to be held July 25.

The proposed rules largely reflect the current rule, and changes are mainly clarification and "clean-up" to match state law. Solvency regulations and reserve requirements will stay the same as in the existing rule, and the rulemaking will not change fee structures or rates.

Rulemaking is needed to:

  • Reflect changes in the healthcare regulatory environment put in place over time;
  • The 2011 transition of Risk Management from the Office of Financial Management to DES;
  • Clarify financial solvency standards and reporting requirements. Clearer rules can make it easier for local government-operated health care programs to understand the reporting process and comply with required due dates.

Rulemaking steps

  • CR 101: DES filed a notice with the state Office of the Code Reviser on March 22 that the agency intends to engage in this rulemaking effort. This first step, the CR -101: Preproposal Statement of Inquiry must be taken before stakeholders can be invited to participate in the agency's rulemaking process.
  • CR-102: Proposed Rule Making marks the formal beginning of rulemaking. Once the CR-102 is filed, DES will hold a formal public comment period, including a public hearing, for the proposed rule. Enterprise Services anticipates filing the draft rules with the state Code Reviser June 21.

More information

  • More information is available on the Enterprise Services rulemaking webpage.
  • If you have questions specific to existing self-insurance rules, please contact Shannon Stuber, (360) 407-8153.
  • If you have questions about the rulemaking process, please contact Jack Zeigler, (360) 407-9209.
  • Please direct media inquiries to Linda Kent, (360) 972-6413.