WAC 182-400-0200. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter: "Authority" means the Washington state health care authority. "Carrier" is defined in RCW 48.43.005 . "Health benefit exchange" means the Washington state health benefit exchange established in RCW 43.71.020 . "Hospital" means any hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW that receives payment for services provided: (a) To enrollees in the public employees benefits program or school employees benefits program under chapter 41.05 RCW; or (b) Through a medical assistance program under chapter 74.09 RCW. "Parties" means carriers and hospitals as defined in this chapter. "Plan year" means the 12-month period beginning on January 1st of each year and ending on December 31st of the same year. "Public option plan" means a qualified health plan contracted by or offered in a response to a procurement issued by the authority under RCW 41.05.410 . "Valid offer to contract" means: (a) A written offer made by a carrier to a hospital to enter into a contract with the carrier to provide in-network coverage to enrollees of the carrier's public option plans; and (b) The carrier's offer must contain sufficient information so that a reasonable person would understand that a good faith offer has been made. The carrier must, at a minimum, include the reimbursement rate offered in a manner that constitutes a legally binding document that the parties could execute.