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Call to Action #2 -- Please Support HB 1655 / SB 6161

27 Jan 2024 12:31 PM | WSMTA (Administrator)

Call to Action #2!  Act before midnight 1/29/24!

Please support HB 1655 / SB 6161:  Concerning Provider Contract Compensation

Requires provider compensation increases commensurate with consumer price index increases for contracts between a health carrier and a health care provider who is not employed or affiliated with a hospital or large hospital system.

HB 1655 and SB 6161 provide a much-needed annual increase in reimbursement for private practices.

Problem

  • Some carriers have never raised their rates in their entire history of working with massage therapists in over 25+ years while others have only done so once or twice.
  • Carriers claim that provider contracts are negotiated; but, independent providers and small clinics can only accept them or stop being a provider for them.

HB 1655 – Status

  • On 1/24/24, numerous lobbyists had coordinated efforts and testified before the House Health Care & Wellness Committee about the need for HB 1655.  There were more than 2,300 people who signed in to the hearing in support of HB 1655.  Chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists/eastern medicine providers, speech therapists, massage therapists and many more professions who provide services as insurance providers are affected by this bill.
  • On 1/30/24, the bill will be heard in executive session where representatives in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee will take a vote to move the bill forward on to the house floor, or not.

HB 1655 – What to Do By the End of Day 1/29/24

  • If you know your Representatives, set up a meeting and meet with them by phone, zoom or in person.
  • If you do not know your Representatives, find your Representatives by clicking on the link:  https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1655 and type in your address and click on the button “support” after you fill in your contact information.

SB 6161 – Status

  • On 1/30/24 at 8am, the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee will have their first hearing on this bill and will listen to testimony. 

SB 6161 – What to Do By End of Day 1/29/24

  • If you know your Senator, set up a meeting and meet with them by phone, zoom or in person.
  • If you don’t know your Senator, find your Senator by clicking on the link: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/6161 and type in your address.  Click on the button “support” after you fill in your contact information.  You can tell your Senator why this bill is important to you, your profession and your clients/patients.  If you are considering dropping your healthcare providership(s) for financial reasons, let them know (if you are considering dropping for other reasons as well, please leave that out of the discussion so as not to confuse things).
  • In addition, to indicate your support for the bill during the Senate Committee Hearing, please go to the bill’s website at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6161&Year=2023 
    • click on the green button in the upper right-hand corner (or top of webpage) that says:
       
    • Scroll down and click on the link in the green field that says: “I would like my position noted for the legislative record”.  
    • Select “Pro” for your position and then answer the remaining questions. Please do not ask to testify.

Level of Urgency

  • Please reach out to your Representatives and Senator as soon as you read this article, time is very urgent as the deadlines to move things along in the legislature are fast approaching.
  • If you know your Representatives or Senator personally, reach out directly via email or phone.

What Else Can You Do

  • Reach out to your colleagues, regardless of profession, and let them know of the urgency of getting these bills passed.  The number of voices that legislators hear from is very important.

For Bill Details

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