The proposed bill aims to improve access to behavioral health emergency services in Washington State by implementing a covered lives assessment on certain health plans. Starting January 1, 2027, all covered entities, including various health plans and self-funded arrangements, will be required to pay an annual assessment of 58 cents per covered life, with adjustments every two years based on inflation and population changes. The funds collected will be deposited into a newly established Behavioral Health Emergency Services Account, designated exclusively for behavioral health emergency services and related administrative costs. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the insurance commissioner in administering the assessment and enforcing compliance, while ensuring that the funds cannot be used for services covered under Medicaid or reimbursed by other payers.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations regarding the treasury income account, clarifying that no appropriation is necessary for payments to financial institutions and establishing that the account will receive earnings from state treasury investments. The state treasurer will distribute these earnings monthly, with the general fund receiving the majority, while the newly created Behavioral Health Emergency Services Account will also receive its proportionate share based on its average daily balance. The bill emphasizes the requirement for specific affirmative directives for the allocation of earnings to treasury accounts, in compliance with constitutional requirements. It also includes provisions for expiration dates for certain sections and stipulates that the act will be null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2026.