SB 5948 — Universal health deadlines

Summary

Establishing deadlines for the universal health care commission.

Bill Text

Compared against the Revised Code of Washington as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 1 section(s) of the Revised Code of Washington: RCW 41.05.840.

• RCW 41.05.840

  (10) → should take to prepare for a just transition to a unified health care financing system, including a single-payer financing system. Recommendations must include, but are not limited to, administrative changes, reorganization of state programs, retraining programs for displaced workers, federal waivers, and statutory and constitutional changes; (e) Recommendations for implementing reimbursement rates for health care providers serving medical assistance clients who are enrolled in programs under chapter 74.09 RCW at a rate that is no less than 80 percent of the rate paid by medicare for similar services; (f) Recommendations for coverage expansions to be implemented prior to and consistent with a universal health care system, including potential funding sources; and (g) Recommendations for the creation of a finance committee to develop a financially feasible model to implement universal health care coverage using state and federal funds. (8) Following the submission of the baseline report on November 1, 2022, the commission must structure its work to continue to further identify opportunities to implement reforms consistent with subsection (7)(b) of this section and to implement structural changes to prepare the state for a transition to a unified health care financing system. The commission must submit annual reports to the governor and the legislature each November 1st, beginning in 2023. The reports must detail the work of the commission, the opportunities identified to advance the goals under subsection (7) of this section, which, if any, of the opportunities a state agency is implementing, which, if any, opportunities should be pursued with legislative policy or fiscal authority, and which opportunities have been identified as beneficial, but lack federal authority to implement. (9) By December 1, 2027, the commission shall submit a report with its final recommendations for a universal health care system, including eligibility, benefit design, provider reimbursement, financing, governance, and any other component necessary to implement the system. (10) By December 1, 2028, the commission shall establish the following advisory committees: (a) A finance committee consisting of financial experts from the office of financial management, the office of the state treasurer, the employment security department, and the office of the insurance commissioner. The finance committee shall recommend specific details for major budget decisions and for appropriations, taxes, and other funding legislation necessary to conduct the operations of a universal health care system; (b) A citizen committee consisting of balanced representation from people with relevant knowledge in health, business, labor, tribal governments, disability needs, body size, and consumers, specifically including representation from populations where health care disparities are known to exist. The citizen committee shall hold public hearings on priorities for inclusion in the set of health services to be offered in a universal health care system, survey public satisfaction, investigate complaints, and identify and report on health care access and other priority issues for residents; and (c) A provider committee consisting of members with broad experience in and knowledge of health care delivery, research, and policy, as well as public and private funding of health care services. The provider committee shall make recommendations to the commission on issues related to scope of covered benefits, quality improvement, continuity of care, resource utilization, and other issues as requested. (11) By December 1, 2029, the commission shall draft legislation to establish a universal health care system in the state. The legislation must meet the objectives for a universal health system as set forth in this section and Senate Joint Memorial No. 8004 (2025). (12) ject es m impl ecti Thi sion im d f ncin atur nd t (13) --- END ---

  amended

Action History

1. January 12, 2026

   First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

Sponsors

• (Hasegawa) · Primary

Subjects