Call to Action: HB1655 Regarding Provider Compensation

Please contact your House of Representatives legislators this week. Dear AMTA-WA Members,  On Friday, February 10, the House Health Care Committee held a public hearing on HB 1655 regarding provider compensation.  As we are all painfully aware, provider rates have been stagnant for nearly 20 years and many massage therapists are not able to take insurance anymore due to the cost of running their business exceeds the reimbursement.  Please contact your House of Representatives legislators and let them know that you support HB 1655! Ask your House members to talk to Health Care leaders in their caucus to move the bill out of committee by Friday, 2/17/2023. Find your district here. Legislator rosters here. Summary of Bill. Compensation provisions in a provider contract between a health care provider not employed or affiliated with a hospital and a health carrier for health care services must include an increase in compensation from the previous year that reflects increases in the CPI for all urban consumers over the previous year. The provisions are applicable to private health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024. The OIC is authorized to adopt rules which must reflect standards used to determine increases in inflation in the qualifying payment amount under the federal No Surprises Act. Appropriation: None. Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2023. Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.