48.41.090 - Financial participation in pool -- Computation, deficit assessments. - Washington Statutes

Financial participation in pool — Computation, deficit assessments.

(1) Following the close of each accounting year, the pool administrator shall determine the net premium (premiums less administrative expense allowances), the pool expenses of administration, and incurred losses for the year, taking into account investment income and other appropriate gains and losses.

     (2)(a) Each member's proportion of participation in the pool shall be determined annually by the board based on annual statements and other reports deemed necessary by the board and filed by the member with the commissioner; and shall be determined by multiplying the total cost of pool operation by a fraction. The numerator of the fraction equals that member's total number of resident insured persons, including spouse and dependents, covered under all health plans in the state by that member during the preceding calendar year. The denominator of the fraction equals the total number of resident insured persons, including spouses and dependents, covered under all health plans in the state by all pool members during the preceding calendar year.

     (b) For purposes of calculating the numerator and the denominator under (a) of this subsection:

     (i) All health plans in the state by the state health care authority include only the uniform medical plan;

     (ii) Each ten resident insured persons, including spouse and dependents, under a stop loss plan or the uniform medical plan shall count as one resident insured person;

     (iii) Health plans serving medical care services program clients under RCW 74.09.035 are exempted from the calculation; and

     (iv) Health plans established to serve elderly or disabled medicaid clients under chapter 74.09 RCW when the plan has been implemented on a demonstration or pilot project basis are exempted from the calculation until July 1, 2009.

     (c) Except as provided in RCW 48.41.037, any deficit incurred by the pool shall be recouped by assessments among members apportioned under this subsection pursuant to the formula set forth by the board among members.

     (3) The board may abate or defer, in whole or in part, the assessment of a member if, in the opinion of the board, payment of the assessment would endanger the ability of the member to fulfill its contractual obligations. If an assessment against a member is abated or deferred in whole or in part, the amount by which such assessment is abated or deferred may be assessed against the other members in a manner consistent with the basis for assessments set forth in subsection (2) of this section. The member receiving such abatement or deferment shall remain liable to the pool for the deficiency.

     (4) If assessments exceed actual losses and administrative expenses of the pool, the excess shall be held at interest and used by the board to offset future losses or to reduce pool premiums. As used in this subsection, "future losses" includes reserves for incurred but not reported claims.

[2005 c 405 § 2; 2000 c 79 § 11; 1989 c 121 § 6; 1987 c 431 § 9.]

Notes: Effective date -- Severability -- 2000 c 79: See notes following RCW 48.04.010.