Lori Grassi WSCA Executive of Legislation and Policy


Washington State Legislature Declines to Advance E2SHB 1589 in the Senate


The Washington State Legislature did not advance E2SHB 1589 in the Senate this session, leaving independent healthcare providers without new legislative requirements for insurance carriers to negotiate directly with them. The decision came after insurance carriers emphasized that they already maintain “robust networks” and that “providers are signing the agreements,” indicating that a legislative mandate was unnecessary and that the cost to premiums would be $300 per member per month (in one estimate), which strains the bounds of reason, to say the least!


Insurance carriers argue that their existing network arrangements sufficiently ensure provider participation and access to care. They maintain that independent providers continue to sign agreements voluntarily, demonstrating that the current system functions without additional legislative intervention. Given these assurances, lawmakers opted not to push forward with a bill that would impose new negotiation requirements on insurers.


Transparency Provisions Offered by Carriers


During discussions, insurance carriers expressed willingness to include transparency measures, such as providing a designated contact person for negotiations, tracked changes in provider contract updates, and advance copies of reimbursement rates before contract signing. However, these measures do little to address the core issue—if carriers are unwilling to negotiate, then having a contact name is of no value. Additionally, these transparency provisions reflect good business practices that are the norm in every other industry; so why does it take legislation to get insurers to do this bare minimum?


Despite this legislative outcome, efforts to address concerns surrounding provider reimbursements and administrative processes are not over. Stakeholders will work throughout the interim period to explore legislative options for the 2026 session. During this time, independent providers must take proactive steps to safeguard their interests and advocate for necessary changes.


The bill was strongly supported by a coalition of 20 professional organizations, led by the Washington State Chiropractic


12 www .ch ir oh ealth.or g


Association (WSCA). Our sponsor, Rep. Dan Bronoske, a firefighter from the 28th Legislative District, was an engaged and responsive advocate for the bill. His leadership helped secure a decisive 73-23 vote in the House, demonstrating strong bipartisan support before the bill stalled in the Senate.


Thank You for Taking Action


Finally, the bill would never have had as much exposure without the actions taken by each of you. Your engagement this session by signing into bill hearings and contacting your legislators, made a great deal of difference and added to the support in the House. In the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee we had over 1,100 people sign in support of the bill from all our providers in the coalition. Next year, we need to increase the volume of chiropractors on the hill, but for now we need you to take action in your legislative districts after they return home from the 2025 legislative session. Session ends on April 27, 2025, so plan to reach out around the middle of June for appointments to give legislators a break from the long session.


Key Actions for Independent Providers


1. Review Contracts Thoroughly – Providers should carefully examine the details of any agreements they sign with insurance carriers. Understanding contract terms ensures that providers are fully aware of reimbursement structures, administrative obligations, and any clauses that may impact their operations. Ask—in writing—to negotiate. They’ll say no, but that’s because they’re counting on you blindly


accepting the terms they offer. When we return to this issue next year, it will be helpful to have evidence of providers requesting negotiations and being denied.


2. Engage with Legislators – To strengthen the case for future legislative action, providers should communicate with their state legislators. Emphasizing the importance of negotiation in reducing costs— either by increasing reimbursement rates or decreasing administrative burdens—will help lawmakers understand the challenges independent providers face.


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