Require health plans to install patient-privacy protections. Require health plans to make information on coverage rules available to patients. The protections do not apply to Washingtonians covered by self-insured employer plans, such as people who work for the state and many large corporations. That includes more than half the 3.1 million Washington residents who have insurance through their jobs. Backers of the bill say managed-care companies have put cost savings over health care.
Some patients say insurers have refused to pay for treatment because of cost alone.
Consumer groups applauded the Senate vote, with caveats. However, Allen said he worries about the litigation provisions. Sue Evans, a Washington State Trial Lawyers Association spokeswoman, added that the new version leaves room for abuse in the independent review process. But Chris Bruzzo, a spokesman for Regence BlueShield, countered that trial attorneys stand to gain the most from the provision, while it will cost everyone in higher premiums. Bruzzo said Regence already offers customers most of the protections.