The bill establishes the Essential Worker Health Care Program in Washington to address the workforce crisis in the elder care industry by providing high-quality, affordable health coverage for nursing home and assisted living workers. It mandates increased funding for nursing home operators who commit to offering such health care, encourages cost-effective health care delivery through multiemployer self-funded plans, and ensures that appropriated funds supplement existing health care funding. Employers wishing to participate must meet specific criteria, including operating a Medicaid-participating nursing home, entering a memorandum of understanding with the department, and maintaining certain spending levels on employee health benefits.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for a qualified health fund, which must include multiple unrelated employers, provide benefits to a significant number of employees, and comply with various operational standards. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is tasked with certifying these health funds and has the authority to revoke certification for noncompliance. The bill also amends existing law to clarify that self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements can be certified if they meet the new program's requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance health care access and quality for essential workers in the long-term care sector.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.125.030