Is Basic Health (BH) disenrolling members?
Due to legislation (ESHB 1244) and required budget reductions, Basic Health must reduce enrollment by approximately 40,000 members. Reductions must take place no later than January 1, 2010. Basic Health will increase rates for our enrollees rather than force anyone off the program; we will not arbitrarily remove qualified members. The increased premiums will be effective January 1, 2010. We will also increase the current $150 annual deductible to $250. The decision to raise rates came down to how we could protect the most vulnerable, while maintaining the viability of the program. In the end, our members will make the choice whether or not they stay enrolled. Other activities are in progress to maintain enrollment at levels supported by the budget. Activities include: • Recertifying all members by October; an auditing process to determine if members still qualify for the level of subsidy they receive; • Removing any member receiving medical assistance (Medicaid) through the Washington
