OLYMPIA — A bill to address rising health care costs and access to primary and behavioral health care passed the Senate Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5083, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), aims to lower health care costs for public and school employees by curbing rising hospital expenses and expanding access to essential services. The bill establishes reimbursement limits for hospital care to help control costs while directing more investment into primary and behavioral health services for state and school employees. It also ensures hospitals remain in network if they receive a good faith offer from Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) health plans, ensuring consistent access to care for covered employees.
“Educators and public employees dedicate their lives to serving our communities, yet many struggle with unpredictable and unaffordable health care costs,” Robinson said. “This bill takes a balanced approach to rein in excessive hospital charges and ensure people can access the care they need when they need it.”
In addition to lower out-of-pocket costs for state and school employees and their families, the bill will provide needed cost savings for the state budget. It now moves to the House for consideration. Follow the bill’s progress here.
