HB1655 requires health carriers to increase compensation for non-hospital affiliated providers based on inflation.

HB1655 amends chapter 48.43 RCW to mandate that health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include an annual increase in compensation for health care services provided to enrollees by providers not employed by hospitals or their affiliates. This increase must reflect the changes in the consumer price index for all urban consumers over the previous year. The bill aims to prevent the consolidation of health care delivery markets by ensuring that private practices and small clinics can remain competitive.

HB1655 requires health carriers to increase compensation for non-hospital affiliated providers based on inflation.

HB1655 amends chapter 48.43 RCW to mandate that health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include an annual increase in compensation for health care services provided to enrollees by providers not employed by hospitals or their affiliates. This increase must reflect the changes in the consumer price index for all urban consumers over the previous year. The bill aims to prevent the consolidation of health care delivery markets by ensuring that private practices and small clinics can remain competitive.