(1) The legislature intends to codify the state’s current practice of requiring health carriers to bill enrollees with a single invoice and to segregate into a separate account the premium attributable to abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited. Washington has achieved full compliance with section 1303 of the federal patient protection and affordable care act by requiring health carriers to submit a single invoice to enrollees and to segregate into a separate account the premium amounts attributable to coverage of abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited. Further, section 1303 states that the act does not preempt or otherwise have any effect on state laws regarding the prohibition of, or requirement of, coverage, funding, or procedural requirements on abortions.

(2) In accordance with RCW 48.43.073 related to requirements for coverage and funding of abortion services, an issuer offering a qualified health plan must:

(a) Bill enrollees and collect payment through a single invoice that includes all benefits and services covered by the qualified health plan; and

(b) Include in the segregation plan required under applicable federal and state law a certification that the issuer’s billing and payment processes meet the requirements of this section.

Effective date—2019 c 399 § 5: “Section 5 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 13, 2019].” [ 2019 c 399 § 10.]

Findings—Short title—2019 c 399: See notes following RCW 74.09.875.

Recommendations—Preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis financial support awareness—2019 c 399: See note following RCW 48.43.072.