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• Introduced by Sen. Karen Fraser (D) on December 1, 2011, creates the voluntary position of Health Care Authority Ombudsman within the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The duties of the Ombudsman are: (1) to research and respond to subscriber calls and complaints in a timely manner; (2) to ensure that health care authority and public employees' benefits board staff are responsive to subscribers' needs and problems; and (3) to monitor, assess, and evaluate the quality control of services to ensure satisfactory resolution of subscriber health care problems and concerns.
  • Referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee on December 1, 2011.
    • Substitute offered in the Senate on January 27, 2012, provides that the volunteer position within OIC must assist retirees enrolled in PEBB with questions and concerns, assist PEBB program with identification of retiree concerns, and maintain access to updated program information. The volunteer shall be trained as part of the existing volunteer training provided to the SHIBA program. The substitute passed by voice vote in the Senate on January 27, 2012.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on January 30, 2012.
• Passed 47 to 0 in the Senate on February 10, 2012, the volunteer position within OIC must assist retirees enrolled in PEBB with questions and concerns, assist PEBB program with identification of retiree concerns, and maintain access to updated program information. The volunteer shall be trained as part of the existing volunteer training provided to the statewide health insurance benefit advisors (SHIBA) program.
  Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
• Received in the House on February 13, 2012.
  • Referred to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on February 13, 2012.
• Passed 83 to 15 in the House on February 29, 2012.
  Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
• Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on March 29, 2012, establishes the Health Care Authority Ombudsman to assist retired enrollees in the Public Employees Benefits Board program.