The bill amends existing laws related to wellness incentives for public and school employee health benefit plans in Washington State, replacing the term "wellness incentives" with "wellness initiatives." This change highlights a shift towards proven health strategies, including smoking cessation, injury prevention, and nutrition education. A significant provision of the bill is the discontinuation of the smart health program by January 1, 2028, which encompasses the wellness incentive and online portal. However, employees who qualify for the wellness incentive by December 31, 2027, will still receive it during the 2028 plan year, with no new wellness incentives available after that date.

The bill also outlines the structure and responsibilities of the school employees' benefits board, which will oversee health care and insurance benefits for school employees and their dependents. Initial board members will serve staggered terms of up to four years, with subsequent members serving two-year terms, and they will be compensated according to existing state laws. The board is tasked with developing comprehensive health care plans, establishing eligibility criteria, and coordinating with the public employees' benefits board to enhance cost efficiency. Additionally, the authority is required to conduct a review of the benefits plans by November 30, 2021, to evaluate their effectiveness and cost savings.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.05.065, 41.05.740
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.05.065, 41.05.740
Session Law: 41.05.065, 41.05.740